8 Common Social Media Statuses After Somebody Breaks Up (And Why They’re Ridiculous)

Social media gives us a really interesting look into how people now cope with relationships ending. Thanks to the advent of memes and quick little Tumblr-style quote generators, people can not only share their disdain for their previous partner, but also show the world how much better off they will now be, or how they’ll never be the same again.

It’s a little invasive, but no one is pulling that information out of them. You see, if you’re willingly sharing things on the internet, then you’re willingly subjecting yourself to whatever the interpretation is of it.

Here’s a quaint little compilation of things people say post-breakup that really just scream, “WELP, I NEED ATTENTION! MY EGO HAS BEEN SCORNED!”

1. “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

This is one of those quotes that you will see a hundred times, and each time it’s shared it will have 40+ comments below saying things like, “Keep your head up, beautiful. We love you. XOXOXOXOXOXO” Social platforms like Facebook or Twitter weren’t created to host your pity party. They were in fact created to document your best memories as a human. Try to keep that in mind.

2. “There are plenty of fish in the sea…”

If there are so many other fish in the sea, and you’re not looking for attention, why not just go meet and speak with any of said fish? Oh, that’s right: because this is the post-breakup, passive aggressive way of saying, “Hey y’all, I’m back on the market!!”

3. “Sometimes you have to give up something good, to have something GREATER.”

What happened to Gen-Y’s general refusal of ever giving up anything? I thought we were the generation that, by definition, refused to give up anything for what we want. Compared to our predecessors, we certainly act like we don’t know the definition of compromise. So, where did this flashy epiphany come from?

3. “If it’s meant to be it will find a way.”

No… If you’re willing to, it will find a way.

4. “Everything happens for a reason.”

This is the most annoying blanket statement ever. If you claim this, any future statement about “personal change” is thereby nullified. Personal change shouldn’t be necessary if “everything happens for a reason.”

5. “I’ve got to do ‘me’.”

What do you normally do? Other people? Wait, never mind. Don’t answer that. If you stopped doing you, you stopped doing the relationship the right way a long, long, time ago.

6. “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

Translation: I’m now regretting my decision. WELP!

7. “Don’t worry, just be happy.”

This is another one of those that is peppered with 40+ comments all sharing the “we’re so happy you’re finally happy” sentiment — as if sharing a picture or status on Facebook really shows how carefree and content you are with life.

8. “You have to change to improve.”

I think when Obama coined the word “Change” back in ’08, he skewed people’s perception of what change meant, and what it actually brings. Improvement doesn’t hinge on change. Improvement hinges on smart decision making skills. Maybe directionally, some minor adjustments should be made — but rarely should sweeping, life-altering change be something that brings on positive improvement. If it does, you were doing something drastically wrong to begin with, and really, should we be bragging about that? Most of your Facebook friends are probably already well-aware of your lack of personal responsibility anyway.