Popular culture princess and icon Ariana Grande released a game changing single on Nov. 3, and unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably encountered the aftermath of “thank u, next” dominating social media platforms.
Grande’s relationship turmoil has been on display since her very public engagement with comedian Pete Davidson was terminated on Oct. 14. In a few short months, the tattoos they received together to honor one another, the pig they co-parented and the sweet lyrics that were dedicated to their love have become a thing of the past.
Davidson remarked on “Saturday Night Live” the day of the single release that what happened between the two was “none of anyone’s business” and spoke amicably about his ex. For such a messy ending, his words were kind and not uncalled for, which cannot be said of Davidson in most situations.
Grande’s response post-breakup, however, has set a new standard. In the moments many desire to shout their anger into the void on social media or burn down the memory of their past relationship in any public or private manner possible, Grande chose a different path.
There is nothing wrong with wishing to share your pain, of course, but human beings have a tendency to speak before we think, we publicly shame before we realize we’re hurting ourselves more than anyone else.
When faced with the choice many before her have struggled with, Grande showed the world how to speak out without damaging yourself or your mental health in the process.
Her single, “thank u, next” personally mentions her exes. She calls them out by name, no holds barred. Instead of sinking to a toxic level or focusing her energy on the pain and negativity of these situations, she chose to highlight what she’s learned. This single is an example of being vulnerable with your feelings without engaging in behavior that is detrimental to one’s own health or the feelings and privacy of another.
I’m not saying Grande is the first person to write a breakup song that isn’t solely meant to bash their ex. But, if anyone was going to turn to their music and release their potential anger and pain to the world, she’s certainly had the right to be at the top of that list, what she delivered is set apart from much of what we’ve seen in this category.
Grande didn’t craft a John Mayer heartbreak ballad meant to put you in your feels and help you wallow in your sadness as you pine for what you lost.
“thank u, next” cannot be compared to a Taylor Swift breakup song that leaves listeners ready to seek revenge and waiting for their time to rise up and be the victor in the game of “Who’s happier now we’re over?”
It certainly isn’t a Beyoncé level anthem that spurs you to take your hurt and kick the lover who broke your heart to the curb, no matter how many times they apologize.
“One taught me love, one taught me patience and one taught me pain.” But they all taught me that when a relationship ends, your next move should be based on how you feel about the other person.
“thank u, next” is for those who believe in learning from the past and helping themselves to grow on their own time and for their personal betterment, not because of someone else’s actions. It’s an anthem for those who think blame is a two-way street and relationships aren’t one-sided.
Though we do not know exactly what Grande went through, she highlights that no matter the wrongs that may have been done against her, what truly matters in the end is how she copes and moves on.
This song shows how it’s time we learn to focus on ourselves after a relationship ends. No more revenge Instagram posts or seeking out someone new to prove you’re doing better. No more pettiness and spending precious time reacting to what has happened. It’s time to act in our best interests and to focus on us.
Grande didn’t just write a new addition to everyone’s essential break-up playlist; she wrote a love song to herself, and it’s about time we all learned to do that.
Thank you, next.
