The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 units.

In the end, the man chooses to say goodbye to his mistress because it is only fair to his significant other, who has always trusted him.

This becomes clear in the first verse of the song when he says, "I've got somewhere else to be, promises to keep / Someone else who loves me and trusts me fast asleep."

However, as he is saying goodbye to the mistress, he has to hide his true feelings (love) from her; hence, the title of the song: "The Hardest Thing".

"[citation needed] The music video takes place inside a boxing arena.