Image by Molly Maltman.
I’m currently sitting in the library of Central Saint Martins, about to begin this piece when I look up and see a couple kissing romantically in the corner. Perfect timing really. And now she’s stroking his hair and giggling. For a newly singleton like me, this is quite literally the last thing I want to see. It’s sickening really to see people so in love. I remember what that felt like before the fine sting of heartbreak came along. I must admit though, as a romanticist I am somewhat comforted to see that love does still exist. I’m also surprised to see such a love since so many people I know (myself included) are taking a break from relationships if not giving them up altogether.
It’s officially break-up season. There, I’ve said it. According to social media updates from friends and instagrammers alike, everybody seems to be ditching their relationship. If it’s not you (which makes you an exception, like the couple in the library), then it’s your best-friend or her sister or somebody in your class. Talk about a Spring Clean, right? With inflationships (relationships instigated to soften the financial blow of inflation) on the rise and more people choosing polygamy, it appears that people are saying no commitment and yes to independence.
But, that doesn’t soothe the pain of a heartbreak – even if you were the one to break things off. No matter which way you spin it, break-ups suck for both parties involved. And I’m talking from experience here. A gorgeous two-year relationship with someone I (maybe naïvely) thought I’d get married and have kids with (I’m a romantic, okay?) ended because we both realised we were too young for the endless arguing. A mutual decision yes, but still utterly painful. In times like these, we need as many distractions as possible – and I’m not talking about re-downloading hinge or drinking copious amounts of red wine.
A break-up can be an enlightening experience. All the time you would’ve spent with a partner, can now be spent with yourself: getting to know who you are, growing, learning new things. To help you on your journey to self discovery, we’ve selected 10 things that are a must for break-up season.
Image Courtesy of UO.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
I was a little late to the party when it came to reading this (it was published in 2018) but I devoured it within the space of 24 hours. Witty, charming and hilariously honest, this book became a refuge from the existential thoughts triggered by heartbreak. A reminder that it’s okay to make mistakes, that love exists all around us in friendships and that you don’t need a partner to make you happy.
Image Courtesy of Sophia Hembeck.
Things I Have Loved by Sophie Hembeck
Another very enlightening and encouraging read from a female author who discusses her experiences past and present with love and relationships told through objects Hembeck has loved. Blurring the lines between poetry and memoir, Things I Have Loved examines the themes of love, longing and self-worth. One to have in your bag at all times.
Image Courtesy of Lana Del Rey.
Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Is it even a breakup if you don’t listen to the Queen of Heartbreak herself? Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is an introspective exploration of family, a failed relationship and Rey’s conflicting desire of being both seen and hidden – getting to the root of why she is who she is. And isn’t that what breakups are all about?
Image Courtesy of MUBI.
Frances Ha
This movie was directed by Greta Gerwig, who also features as the protagonist. Needn’t I say anything else? Beginning with a break-up, the film follows Frances who watches her best-friend get married while she struggles to pay rent. Shot in black and white, Frances Ha is a tale of the trials and tribulations experienced by the modern woman.
Image by Molly Maltman.
True Stories by Sophie Calle
Two days after my partner and I broke up, I was in a bookshop when I came across Sophie Calle’s True Stories. The page that I happened to open it on was titled “The Breakup”. It was destiny.
French writer, photographer, installation artist, and conceptual artist, Sophie Calle is the epitome of heartbreak, vulnerability and intimacy. First published in 1994 and regularly reissued and expanded since, True Stories gathers a series of short autobiographical texts and photos to create a fragmented memoir recounting humorous and moving tales from her life.
Image Courtesy of maude.
maude: spot
If you’re abandoning sexual partners altogether, then you’re going to need a little something to help you when temptation inevitably lingers. maude’s spot is a hand-held, curved vibrator meant for internal stimulation. Intended as a g-spot or p-spot vibrator, it is complete with five speeds. Plus, it looks totally cute.
Image Courtesy of MUBI.
The Worst Person in the World
A quest for meaning and love, The Worst Person in the World is playful and observant in its depiction of life as a modern woman, welcoming the messy contradictions that come with it. Warming and wistful, the film is a comfort for those facing dilemmas of their own, with a title that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost and blamed themselves in the process.
Image Courtesy of Byredo.
Unnamed by Byredo
If there’s anything worse than hearing a song that reminds you of your ex, it’s catching a whiff of a smell. Perfume is the worst for this. The perfume you wore during your relationship should stay in your relationship. It’s time to get a new one. Our favourite is Byredo’s limited edition scent called Unnamed. The idea is that you can choose your own name for the perfume, completely individual and with personal meaning. Cute, right?
Image Courtesy of Tekla.
Stüssy x Tekla Bedding
To buy new bedding after a breakup is to make a statement. It’s a symbol of an entirely fresh start. For me, the thought of sleeping in the sheets I once shared with my S/O just made me sad. So I bought new ones. A fresh start, if you will. We like Tekla’s collaboration with Stüssy, which sees their classic Linen Bedding in Black Pinstripes subtly reimagined.