Wednesday, April 11, 2012

How to break up with somebody you wish you used to know

I love Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," but I think he is mistaken about the heartlessness of his ex(es). In fact, the song could be a tutorial on how to successfully break up with someone as painlessly as possible.

But you didn't have to cut me off (You do. It's for his own good.)
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing (Get out of your pajama pants and move on.)
And I don't even need your love (That's the spirit!)
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough (Avoid relapsing.)
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number (Might be going a little too far, but perhaps necessary if dealing with a stalker.)
I guess that I don't need that though (Correct! Number should have already been deleted.)
Now you're just somebody that I used to know (Mission move on accomplished.)

Isn't somebody that you used to know better than a girl who may or may not be your ex, who still texts you at 3 a.m., borrows your car (something I may or may not have done to someone I used to know...) and messes up any chance you have of having a healthy relationship with someone else? Isn't being cut off better than being strung along?

Apparently the song refers to a composite of past relationships, which makes sense because no mere mortal can have the self-restraining power to execute such a clean break. But that doesn't stop me from respecting the fictitious ex-girlfriend for her efficient, lukewarm heart, and for inspiring an awesome song.
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