There’s just something about the brutal arctic air and gray overcast of mid-winter that wreaks havoc in “coupledom.”

Breakups, fights, etc., all seem to emerge during the winter recess, resulting in many heartbroken singles moping around campus like sad little Charlie Browns. Being single this year, I relished in the fact that I’d be free from the relationship drama … or so I thought.

This winter break I found myself in the driver’s seat of my Jeep Liberty, taking my passenger on a long, slow ride, jam-packed with pointless bickering, crying and exaggerated hand motions. The ride ended with an awkward and intense goodbye. The passenger wasn’t a significant other. It was an ex-best friend.

To my surprise, breakups aren’t limited to couples. After many years of a dwindling friendship, I was told by my high school “BFF” that she and I needed to go on a break. You know, take some time apart, figure out who we are, see if we can re-kindle later — all that bullshit.

And I thought taking a break with my ex-boyfriend was stupid; now I’m on a break with a friend? The absurdity of my social life has reached new levels.

I’m sure many of you can relate to growing apart from some of your high school friends. It’s only natural; you meet new people, you lose contact and sometimes you come to see the two of you just don’t really have much in common anymore.

But what I don’t understand is why our generation has to make every day seem like an episode of “The Hills,” where every event is dragged out into some highly exaggerated production. My former BFF could have won an Academy Award for her performance during that miserable car ride.

And I’m not the only one. I’ve seen many friendships end with hateful words, tears and bitterness. Elaborate speeches are done by both sides about how the other is a bitch, a whore, or a bad friend. Sometimes I feel as if drama shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” (no offense to the die-hard fans) have brainwashed us into creating drama in our own lives where there doesn’t have to be any.

Certainly the loss of my good friend is somewhat upsetting and difficult. But it aggravates me how grandiose and falsely dramatic my friendship, and all relationships in general, have become.

All the labels and stupid terminology — BFF, ex-BFF, going on a break, etc. — are all just made-up ideas, only fueling the drama. For some reason, we have these gross expectations that friendships are supposed to last forever, or if they end, they need to end in some heartfelt, elaborate speech. It’s kind of like slamming the door after getting in a fight with your parents — all just for show. None of it really means anything.

I’ve come to realize that in relationships, whether with friends or significant others, many of us waste too much time trying to live up to the expectations television sets for us — the enticing plots, heartfelt talks and exaggerated fights. But all this drama is useless.

For those of you who find yourselves in a similar predicament, my advice to you is this: life is short — too short to dwell on the past or the often false notion of “best friends forever.” If a friendship or boyfriend isn’t working, then end it. Don’t drag it out, don’t go on a break and don’t make it so friggin’ complicated. Real life isn’t like “The Hills.” Thank God.