Breakups suck. Whether we’re talking about a superstar, your bestie, or that random dude you shared a weird exchange with at the gym, heartbreak doesn’t discriminate. As human beings, we’re all equally vulnerable to the ruthlessness of romance, and who would wish the pain of a failed partnership on anyone?

But let’s be honest: there is something kind of enthralling and humbling about watching rich, gorgeous people get dumped just like the rest of us. Right?

What some call an invasion of privacy, others view as an honest chance to learn from public missteps. Either way, the fact is that dissecting a celeb couple’s downfall is way cheaper than therapy and a lot easier than dealing with our own baggage, so ... why not? Let’s take a look at a few highly public breakups from the past few years, and see what wisdom we can unearth for us mere mortals.

Shakira and Gerard Piqué: Infidelity, public betrayal, and dignity

Shakira and Piqué seemed like the golden couple ... until they weren't. Rumors of Piqué's cheating blew up the internet (rumor says his girlfriend gave herself away by poaching Shakira’s favorite jam stash...the audacity!), and the 2022 split left fans heartbroken. Eleven years of love gone in a paparazzi flash.

So what’s there to learn from the breakup of a major music star and famous footballer?

Betrayal stings (like a bee, maybe?): Cheating destroys trust, plain and simple. If you've been blindsided, surround yourself with supportive people and focus on healing. Think inward, not outward, and don’t get sucked into social media wars

Breakups are hard enough without an audience: Celebrities deal with breakups under a microscope. While we might not have paparazzi camped outside, gossip still hurts. Don't overshare with people you don’t fully trust when emotions are raw.

Handle it with class: Shakira channeled her rage into catchy diss tracks (and mega bucks). While most of us don't have that option, maintaining dignity is always the power move, even when it's tempting to get messy.

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson: Rebounds, red flags, and that media circus

This whirlwind romance felt like a reality TV plotline that jumped the shark. Hard to think of a more unlikely pairing from wildly different worlds, and considering the start of their relationship came hot on the heels of very public breakups, it was messy from the get-go. While we think the internet trolls were grossly ferocious in the aftermath of their separation, the public dissolution of this tabloid twosome does raise some relatable points for the rest of us.

Rebound romances rarely stick: Sometimes, jumping into something new helps numb the pain. But a distraction won't fix deeper issues. Take your time to heal before pursuing a serious relationship.

Life stages that clash make love more difficult: Kim is juggling businesses, kids, and relentless image control. Pete's at a different stage of fame and seemingly still figuring things out. Compatibility requires some shared priorities, and that’s true no matter who you are.

Ignore the peanut gallery: Everyone, and we mean everyone, has opinions on celebrity relationships. When dealing with your own, stay focused on your personal needs, not what random people think.

Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles: Busy schedules, shifting priorities, and that co-parenting question

They looked loved-up, they kept things mostly private, and the internet was obsessed. Then suddenly they called it quits, fueling rumors of messy Don't Worry Darling set drama. But maybe Olivia and Harry were just … busy? Let’s think about it in a real-people way ...

Careers can collide with coupledom: Success has sacrifices and sometimes comes with long distances, crazy schedules, and little downtime. If work-life balance isn't a priority early on, resentment builds. Don't make assumptions that someone will adjust their needs for yours, and be prepared to compromise where possible.

Compatibility can be curious: The fact is that not every split is dramatic. Compatibility simply shifts sometimes, especially in highly successful people. Whether that’s the case with Olivia and Harry ... who knows? But keep it in mind if you feel your own relationship is hitting a crossroads.

Co-parenting gets complicated: Wilde has young kids with her ex. If those rumored set struggles involved her kids, it's a harsh reminder that family dynamics impact everything. Blended families take serious, honest conversations about priorities.

Look, the bottom line is it’s EASY to judge celebs. After all, their whole lives are packaged for us to consume (and mostly without their express consent). But the thing to remember is that the gossip mill rarely reveals the whole story. We're all just messy humans figuring love out as we go, and everyone deserves compassion and a fair shake at love.

Until next time, Couplers ... keep it real, and keep looking for love that lights you up.