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Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” Is Changing The Way Women Think About Their Exes
Ariana Grande's latest single, "Thank U, Next" released a few days ago, is influencing a different look at relationships of the past.

by Women’s Health

November 8, 2018

Ariana Grande's "Thank U, Next" Is Changing The Way Women Think About Their Exes

Ariana Grande’s latest single, “Thank U, Next”, released a few days ago, has already amassed a slew of memes, garnering over 1.5 million tweets in mere hours.

But there is another big conversation to be had: the way it’s influencing a different look at relationships of the past. Google “break-up songs” and you’ll likely end up with angry, heavy songs, singing about being better off, trashing said ex and being irreplaceable. There’s anger, malice and spite in the heartbreak.

It comes with no surprise, then, that Grande chose to address her very public splits from rapper Big Sean, backup dancer Ricky Alvarez, SNL host Pete Davidson and late rapper Mac Miller in a song, singling them out by name. What is surprising is the way she’s chosen to deviate from the vitriolic nature of break-up songs and go with something different: “Thank U, Next” is a light, upbeat, saccharine tune – not hating, but genuinely thanking her exes.

“I’ve loved and I’ve lost /

But that’s not what I see /

So, look what I got /

Look what you taught me”

“I’ve loved and I’ve lost / But that’s not what I see / So, look what I got / Look what you taught me” Grande trills, choosing to honour her relationships as avenues of personal growth, even in the face of public heartache. Her mature approach has inspired analyses and praise on Twitter, with women strongly relating to her message.

READ MORE: No More Track Pants: This Is Your Ultimate Break-Up Recovery Plan

We’re inspired to see the positives

We’re overcoming anxiety

We’re empowered

READ MORE: The Scary Thing ‘Hate-Following’ Your Ex Reveals About Your Personality

But Grande’s positive energy took a little helping (and time). She revealed to a fan in a tweet, saying that she’s been working with a therapist. She also strongly encouraged fans to seek professional help – something not often spoken about when it comes break-ups.

Recognising heartbreak as a form of trauma and approaching her painful past with gratitude (and a healthy helping of irreverence) is a message we haven’t heard enough of – and judging from the overwhelming response to the song, the internet agrees.

In the end, self-care is the message.

Listen to the song here: