Ight, I'mma Head Out

[DISCLAIMER]

When attending graduate school at Wayland Baptist University for the field of counseling, I was surprised to hear a professor at the private Baptist university tell students that we recommendatorily should be prepared to counsel some couples through the process of divorce.

I’d expected religious dogma from the curricula, though the professor advocated a real-world versus ideal-world perspective. Given that a reported 40-50% of first marriages in the United States are said to end in divorce, the professor’s encouragement was based on truth about reality.

Specifically, he advocated thinking about marriage in a manner that was rational (in accordance with both logic and reason). To understand his proposition, I invite you to consider a modus ponens syllogism (i.e., if p, then q; p; therefore, q):

If 40-50% of first marriages, with a reported 67% of second marriages and 74% of third marriages, end in divorce, then it’s a rational decision to teach counseling graduate students at a religious institution of high learning about helping couples to divorce amicably.

40-50% of first marriages, with a reported 67% of second marriages and 74% of third marriages, end in divorce.

Therefore, it’s a rational decision to teach counseling graduate students at a religious institution of high learning about helping couples to divorce amicably.

Favorably, the professor didn’t indoctrinate students with irrational notions about how marriage couples absolutistically must remain together. Given my personal experience with divorce, as well as former professional experience working with married couples, I appreciate rationality.

Sometimes, it’s a much healthier option for people not to remain together. This is true irrespective of whether or not principles of one’s religious faith irrationally suggest otherwise. When further contemplating this matter, I’m reminded of a meme. According to one source:

Ight Imma Head Out is a reaction image macro series using a screenshot of the American cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants sitting into a chair with the phrase as a subtitle.

While the image shows SpongeBob getting into the chair, many have interpreted the screenshot of him rising from one and exiting a room. The meme is used to express a desire to exit a situation and is a variation of Alright Bro I’m Boutta Head Out.

Photo credit (edited for proper punctuation), fair use

For context, one source states that the word “ight” means “to say ‘alright’ in slang.” Here, “alright” is a synonym for “all right,” which is often used as a generalized term of approval, as well as referencing something that is satisfactory or agreeable.

As well, a separate source states that the phrase “head out” means “to leave; take off.” Here, “leave” is a term indicating to go away from: depart. Thus, regarding the meme, SpongeBob is perceived as assertively announcing his self-approved intention to depart an undesirable event.

Concerning what my professor in graduate school advocated, I maintain that it’s sometimes appropriate to say about one’s own failing marriage “Ight, I’mma head out.” This arguably healthy decision and resulting announcement applies to other forms of relationships, as well.

For instance, this memetic phrase can apply to leaving other types of intimate partner relationship (e.g., girl- and boyfriend), departing an occupational relationship (e.g., employer and employee), or heading out of a platonic relationship (e.g., friends). The list goes on and on.

When thinking further about this matter, I’m reminded of the 2020 hip hop album Air by Ant the Symbol. It contains a song entitled “Headed Out” that features Edison Av. Lyrics include:

All them homies that I had

We ain’t vibin’ no mo’

It’s wild how they try to be bros

Only after you killin’ it

‘Cause scrutiny can make a man militant

[…]

I’m on the last train headed south

What’chu so upset about?

You knew this day was comin’

So, fuck it, it’s for the better now

Man, I’m sick of all the same ol’ streets

And all the same ol’ roads

And all the same ol’ peeps

Hey, yo, I’m headed out

Ant the Symbol describes a healthy decision to discontinue friendships which presumably aren’t serving his interests and goals. This, too, was discussed during my time in graduate school for counseling. It was then that I learned about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

Specifically, unconditional acceptance (UA) allows an individual to accept oneself as a fallible human being with limited control and influence over others. As well, it allows for the accepting of other people as flawed, as they aren’t always open to being influenced within relationships.

Additionally, UA accepts life when one decides to head out, as the past remains unalterable. Even if one can resurrect a dead relationship of any variety, what comes back may not be natural. This approach to rational living is what I commonly work with concerning most of my clients.

Now, I share this psychoeducational lesson with you. Even if you aren’t comfortable with saying “Ight, I’mma head out,” can you tolerate and accept the discomfort of letting a dying relationship go? If you need further assistance in this regard, then I look forward to hearing from you.

Ight, I’mma head out until then.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Aaron W. (2003, January 10). Peeps. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=peeps

Ant the Symbol. (2020, September 10). Headed Out (feat. Edison Av) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/gMaN_3oLvIo?si=SusKR_mzJN6qwys3

Ant the Symbol. (n.d.). Music [Official website]. Retrieved from https://antthesymbol.com/music

Apple Music. (n.d.). Ant the Symbol. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ant-the-symbol/1014748841

Apple Music. (n.d.). Edison Av. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/us/artist/edison-av/1504790478

Caviglea. (2004, February 6). Bros. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bros

Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Absolutistic should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/absolutistic-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2025, September 22). Bring it back. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bring-it-back

Hollings, D. (2022, May 17). Circle of concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/circle-of-concern

Hollings, D. (2024, October 21). Desire. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/desire

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2024, May 11). Fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fallible-human-being

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2024, April 27). Ideal-world vs. real-world. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ideal-world-vs-real-world

Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals

Hollings, D. (2024, September 26). Interpreted reality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interpreted-reality

Hollings, D. (2025, June 23). Is that what you’re upset about? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/is-that-what-you-re-upset-about

Hollings, D. (2025, May 2). It’s outside of my control and influence. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/it-s-outside-of-my-control-and-influence

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2025, March 16). Modus ponens. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/modus-ponens

Hollings, D. (2024, July 7). Non-dogmatic preferences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/non-dogmatic-preferences

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2025, April 9). Perception, action, and will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-action-and-will

Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Recommendatory should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/recommendatory-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2025, February 13). The past is passed. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-past-is-passed

Hollings, D. (2025, January 16). The words we use matter. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-words-we-use-matter

Hollings, D. (2023, February 16). Tna. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/__tna

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Hollings, D. (2023, March 11). Unconditional life-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-life-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, February 25). Unconditional other-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-other-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, March 1). Unconditional self-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-self-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2024, October 11). Vibes. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/vibes

Lilly2003. (2017, October 6). Ight. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ight

Matt. (2019). Ight Imma head out [Image]. Know Your Meme. Retrieved from https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ight-imma-head-out

Micklin Law Group. (2023, January 21). 5 reasons why second and third marriages are more prone to divorce. Retrieved from https://www.micklinlawgroup.com/5-reasons-why-second-third-marriages-are-more-prone-divorce/

Miss elis. (2008, March 31). Head out. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=head%20out

Nikoff888. (2012, October 12). Killing it. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=killing%20it

Petrelli Previtera, LLC. (n.d.). Divorce statistics. Retrieved from https://www.petrellilaw.com/divorce-statistics-for-2022/

Philipp. (2019). Alright bro I’m boutta head out. Know Your Meme. Retrieved from https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/alright-bro-im-boutta-head-out/

T Hizzle. (2005, April 17). Homie. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=homie

Wikipedia. (n.d.). SpongeBob SquarePants. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpongeBob_SquarePants

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wayland Baptist University. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayland_Baptist_University