Breaking up is hard to do — and there are plenty of songs out there that deal with the myriad of emotions behind a break up. Once you’re past the stage of sobbing grief and moving towards anger, these songs are sure to help you realize you aren’t the first woman who has been dumped before!

1. “How am I Supposed to Live Without You” – Michael Bolton

“Tell me how I’m supposed to live without you, now that I’ve been lovin’ you so long.”

No one says it better than Bolton in this heart-wrenching song of a love gone wrong — and the pieces of his heart his woman left behind. This is the perfect post-breakup song to listen to when you really need to let all of your emotions out. In the end, you’ll be stronger for it!

2. “Please Remember” – LeAnn Rimes

“I’ll always think of you and smile and be happy for the time I had you with me.”

Even though Rimes knows that she and her lover must part, this song is a poignant reminder that a breakup can be amicable, though painful and at times bittersweet. Listen to this song when you want to remember the good times you had with that special someone, and rest assured — you will have good times again.

3. “Where do Broken Hearts Go?” – Whitney Houston

“Where do broken hearts go, can they find their way home?”

I don’t know if broken hearts can always be mended by the one who broke them in the first place, but whatever the case may be, I know this song can help you come to terms with a break up. You may wish to return to how it used to be, but why would you want to go back to the one who broke your heart?

4. “I Want to Know what Love Is” – Foreigner

“I’ve got nowhere left to hide, it looks like love has finally found me.”

If you have suffered a particularly painful breakup, I am sure you can sympathize with the theme of this song. He’s been through so much heartache that he doesn’t know if he can trust someone enough to love again. Listen to this song when you need a little pick-me-up, and give yourself the chance to realize love again.

5. “Missing You” – John Waite

“I ain’t missing you at all, since you’ve been gone away. I ain’t missing you, no matter what I might say.”

A clear-cut case of a man so desperate to put his heartache behind him that he denies he’s still hurting. We’ve all undoubtedly been in this situation at one time or another, but it’s important to go through the natural grieving process to truly put the past behind you.

6. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“I’ve given up honey, please admit it’s over.”

When you’ve finally reached the stage of no regrets, blast this song and sing along to prove to yourself (and possibly your neighbors, if you’re really loud) that you are finally over him! It’s the perfect “I’ll find someone better” anthem to listen to after a breakup.

What songs do you listen to after a breakup? Do you prefer songs that make you sob, or do you like venting your frustration with angry, bitter verses? What do you think should have made the list? Let me know in the comments.