Everyone is afraid of getting hurt. In relationships, we're terrified of letting someone pull one over on us or having someone disappoint us (if you don't believe me, just listen to "Loveless" by Lorde).

So instead of giving in to that fear and trying to play it safe, let's ring in the New Year by saying, "Fuck it, I'm gonna go get myself hurt as hard as fucking possible," in the hopes of maybe, just maybe finding love along the way. Here are nine solid reasons to get heart-wrecked in 2018:

1. It's an excuse to feast on chocolate, ice cream, bacon, etc.

Someone would have to be out of their mind to deny your God-given right to eat your feelings when you’re sad.

2. You get to bitch about it.

It’s great because your friends and family have to listen to you when you're sad, it's like the golden rule of caring about someone.

3. You get to enjoy that strangely awesome feeling that comes after you cry.

Crying releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. And happy people don't kill their husbands. (Thanks, Elle Woods.)

4. It'll make you a better parent someday.

When your kid comes home with a broken heart, you're gonna want to have your own experience to draw on while comforting them. And you won't have that experience and consequential wisdom if you don't go through hell yourself while you're younger. So think about it this way, cry now, keep your kid from crying as much as you did later.

5. You get to scream-sing sad/angry music and REALLY mean it.

You're never gonna really know the true meaning behind "You Think You Know Somebody" by Hunter Hayes unless you let yourself take some risks, hun.

6. It gives you motivation to better yourself.

Nothing motivates a person more than the opportunity to piss off someone that screwed you over or made you cry.

7. You could always just drink your feelings away.

Because let's be honest, the craziest drinking stories come from nights that start with, "Fuck them, I'm getting trashed tonight."

8. You get a new picture for your dartboard!

That's always fun. And inspiring.

9. It WILL make you stronger.

Even if you might not find what you're looking for romantically this year, you'll never know if you don't put yourself out there. And you'll get through it if you do get hurt. You will. And then you'll get to see how strong you really are.