20 Times Beyoncé Helped You Get Through a Breakup

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 04: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Beyonce attends the ‘China: Through The Looking Glass’ Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

7. “If I Were A Boy”

"It’s a little too late for you to come back Say it’s just a mistake Think I’d forgive you like that If you thought I would wait for you You thought wrong"

Anyone who makes you wait isn’t worth the wait. Whether they’re leading you on or they’re playing it hot and cold with your relationship, love shouldn’t be a guessing game. When it comes to serious mistreatment—dishonesty, belittlement, cheating, abuse—there are no mistakes. Your partner is responsible for their actions and should be held accountable. You don’t have to forgive them, because they shouldn’t get away with an “I’m sorry” when they’ve intentionally hurt you. You don’t have to wait for them to change, because they won’t. And your self-worth is more important than their second, third, fourth chance.

“If I Were A Boy” is an exercise in deconstructing gender roles. Throughout this lyrical narrative, Beyoncé points out the hypocrisies present in male/female relationships. There’s an unbalanced power structure and opposing social expectations, and—no surprise—women get the short end of the stick. We’re taught to be the emotional support when we’re not being supported ourselves. We’re taught to wait at home and pretend that nothing’s amiss. We’re taught to keep quiet and let things happen as they will. We’re taught to stay when we shouldn’t. Women share these experiences in pain and trust issues because social expectations dictate them.

During the bridge, Beyoncé sings, “Someday you’ll wish you were a better man.” While your ex is on their way to that destination, you deserve to find someone who’s better without having to wish on it in retrospect.

Next: Single Ladies