Burning of a Nose: An Anti-Valentines Day Playlist.

Lets wind the clock back to February 2013, the first time I was alone on Valentine's Day in 4 years. My relationship with my girlfriend ended the previous October. It feels weird to say, but I was actually kind of thank full for the time alone: no gifts to buy, no dinner to plan, and certainly no fucking Nicholas Sparks' film adaptations to watch.

With this new found silence, I discovered a need for a glass of scotch and a cigarette. The scotch was easy, a purchase I had made earlier in the day, with a nice glass to swirl around. The cigarette was the problem, as I learned at that precises moment my lighter was no where to be found. Of course, I was in college, living alone, reckless.

Stove tops might be used for cooking, but at the moment I knew it would be used to light my cigarette. I turn the flames on, not thinking that I would not need to blast the heat or be that close. Recklessness has a way of taken control.

I burnt my nose leaning to close to the stove, a mild burn. I still smoked the cigarette cause why not, and pretended the pain was not there.

The way I dealt with the burn back then, and still through any pain, is with music. Hopefully, these songs can narrow down the pain!

You're So Last Summer-Taking Back Sunday

Start off with a song with so much depth. Not only does this song take a view point of a personal regret, it thinks internally: this might be your fault. It brings about acceptance in a way you may not articulate naturally.

Tiny Vessels-Death Cab for Cutie

After a pop-punk classic, lets calm it down with some Death Cab for Cutie. This song brings imagery, instead of personal thoughts. You imagine your ex lover as a rose, with a hint of grace. Some point, you have to realize their imperfections. Not caring might sound harsh, but its only way forward.

Your Ex-Lover Is Dead-Stars

Man, whenever I think about the sadness of a past relationship this song clears my head. Many relationships end with a question of "What if.." or "I should have done this differently" but this song ignores all of that. Its over and their is no going back. It was fun while it lasted.

You Can't Miss It (It's Everywhere)-Transit

Quick return to the pop-punk lifestyle. However, Transit takes it in a different direction. The moment of the break up sucks, but its not something to forget. Remember that pain, for it will surround you. Embrace it and move forward.

I Don't Love You Anymore-Real Friends

Sometimes, being angry helps. Relationships that end amicably rarely end that way. You might think at the time its for the best, but that emotion creeps up. Want to try be friends? This song details, as politely as possible, no thanks, its over.

If You Can't Hang-Sleeping With Sirens

If you were ever part of the Warped Tour scene, then you probably listened to this song a million times. This song brings upon a clear situation: you meet someone, think how perfect they are, and then it turns out they could not even be in the same room as you.

Plane Vs. Tank Vs. Submarine-Tigers Jaw

Surprisingly, this is the first song on the playlist with some acoustic guitar. Slow moving, but builds up with lyrics that reflect on a relationship that has ended. The biggest moment is the last minute is just sound, no lyrics.

My Favorite Accident-Motion City Soundtrack

Back to some pop punk and it brings an energy. Imagine after two years with someone they refer to you as an accident? Well this song becomes the response.

Two Letters-Bayside

When a relationship is over, how do you refer them? You call them a name, a mocking nickname or can you still say their name without getting chills? Questions one needs to ask when ready to move on with your life.

Freakish-Saves The Day

Performing the act of the break up can be excruciating. This song illustrates the before and after of a relationship ending. Its a long walk, but after its over you do feel relief.

Letdown-This Providence

This song focuses on a viewpoint of fantasy and obsession, and the lows that come with it. You can see a relationship from one viewpoint, while someone else sees it from another. When the end comes, this viewpoint becomes the biggest letdown.

How to Be Alone-John-Allison Weiss

Ending the playlist with a song that might sound uplifting but has more depth than that. When a relationship ends, you almost have to learn how to be a human again. You will never forget the happiness, but you can learn how to find a better happiness. It just takes times.