Unfriending someone has become the new blacklisting. Digitally speaking, it’s one of the most definitive ways to cut someone out of your life. Breakups are always complicated and sometimes, unfriending someone is both impractical and too extreme. Facebook is listening. They’re currently testing settings on the US mobile version that allows users quite a bit of control over how much your new ex can view and vice versa.
With that, we turn to one of the most iconic breakups of all time and how they may have benefitted from Facebook’s new cureall: Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger) from 10 Things I Hate About You.
In order to cope with getting dumped, Kat writes a poem for English class. She nails what a breakup feels like with all of the teen angst you’d expect from 1999’s version of The Taming of the Shrew.
Let’s break it down:
I HATE THE WAY YOU TALK TO ME
AND THE WAY YOU CUT YOUR HAIR
I HATE THE WAY YOU DRIVE MY CAR
I HATE IT WHEN YOU STARE
Oh, Kat. No longer an issue. Facebook now allows you to limit the amount of your posts your ex gets on the News Feed. Patrick has no need to message you, anymore. Likewise, your News Feed will be gloriously empty of any and all haircuts that the ex did or did not get. As for staring, Facebook stalking is getting more complicated. You can now change the notification and privacy setting on old posts. No more nostalgically flicking through couple-ish albums.
I HATE YOUR BIG DUMB COMBAT BOOTS
AND THE WAY YOU READ MY MIND
I HATE YOU SO MUCH THAT IT MAKES ME SICK
IT EVEN MAKES ME RHYME
Post in peace. All new statuses that may or may not be related to the ex and/or your annoyance with them are for sympathising friends only. Use as many cliched, gross rhyme schemes as you like. Rant and rave without worrying about hurt feelings or being petty. Post responsibly, but don’t worry about Patrick’s input.
I HATE THE WAY YOU’RE ALWAYS RIGHT
I HATE IT WHEN YOU LIE
I HATE IT WHEN YOU MAKE ME LAUGH
EVEN WORSE WHEN YOU MAKE ME CRY
There are still going to be shares you agree with. There are still going to be exaggerated statuses you want to call your ex S.O. out on. RESIST THE URGE. Again, Facebook is giving you the control to rid yourself of temptation. You can’t react to what you don’t see.
I HATE THE WAY YOU’RE NOT AROUND
AND THE FACT THAT YOU DIDN’T CALL
BUT MOSTLY I HATE THE WAY I DON’T HATE YOU
NOT EVEN CLOSE, NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT, NOT AT ALL
If you’re changing your relationship status, this just happened. No one comes out of a relationship and forgets about all of the good stuff. As creepy as it sounds, Facebook is here to help. After years of being able to hold on with Facebook stalking and “keeping in touch,” they’re giving you the option to go cold turkey. So use it or don’t, but it’s nice to have the option.
BOTTOM LINE
Handling a breakup sucks, but this movie will always kick tuckus. It’s okay, Kat. We feel you.