Another Sad Love Song? 5 Ways to Get Over Your Ex

Whenever you hear Usher croon “There goes my baby, you don’t know good it feels to call you my girl” or Alicia Keys sing “You give me a feeling that I never felt before, and I deserve it, I think I deserve it,” you just can’t help but to think about him. Or her. You know who we’re talking about? That guy or girl who broke your heart. Next time, you hear another song that reminds you of your ex, do one of the following, and before you know it, you’ll forget his or her name.

Create a “get crunk” playlist—Add Soulja Boy and Gucci Mane to your iPod and try to avoid listening to anything R&B for at least one month. Not only will you refrain from thinking about your ex, you’ll smile every time you hear Soulja Boy belt out another catchy tune (ie. “Pretty Boy Swag”), and you might learn a new dance or two.

Turn off the radio— Chances are you’ll hear a love song at least 2.5 times every thirty minutes, so save yourself the tears by just turning it off. You can give yourself time to reflect by driving in silence, or put on Nas’ or Biggie’s greatest hits album for an instant flashback.

Embrace being single— Blast “Single Ladies” as loud as you want, and then go out for a girls’ night with your BFFs. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone new. (Men: Listen to Kanye’s “Heartless” and then call up your boys.)

Say aah—When you get stressed, you usually need a drink. When you break up with someone, you have an excuse to drink. So pop a bottle or two, “Say Ahh,” and toast to new beginnings (ie. life post-what’s-his-or-her-name?)

Go Waiting to Exhale on him—Ok this is for the ladies only. No we’re not encouraging you to literally burn up his clothes and car like Angela Bassett did in the movie but you are allowed to pretend that you did, while you listen to Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows.” (Note: Make sure your closest girlfriend is around so you don’t actually do anything crazy.)