
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to take the time and talk to you all about something very difficult to do. Ending a relationship can be very tough and it helps to have some direction.
It can take a while to figure out the best way to end things with someone. We all hope it doesn't need to happen, but life experience tells us that sooner or later it will. When you go about breaking up with someone there are some guidelines that you should keep in mind to make things a little bit easier on you both.
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for what is about to happen. You need to make sure that this is what you want to do. If you try and change your mind in the middle of this breakup it could easily lead to more heartache, and your partner being more frustrated. Take the time to really think about this. Once you have made your decision to break up you will want a few days without contact via phone, text, in person, etc. You don't want to be telling them one day how much you like them and breaking up with them the next.
Absolutely do not tell your friends what you are about to do. You want to ensure your partner is going to be the first person to know about this. You are a big boy or girl and you started this relationship by yourself. You are smart enough to know when things are not working out. Make your own decision as best you can.
As a quick tip make sure to silence your phone, turn off the TV, or computer. You don't want a bunch of distractions going on around you while you are trying to speak.
When you go to meet the person to breakup with them make sure to meet your partner at a private place. You want to make it somewhere that you feel safe and relaxed to break the news. Many people suggest finding a neutral location to do this. This can be helpful as you have a way to leave if things get really bad. If they are in your place or vice versa this could become a lot tougher.
You want to ensure you are meeting in person to do this. Talking on the phone, text, email, etc. are cop outs to doing this the correct way. You took the time to be in a relationship with them take the time to end it in person. When you go to break the news be calm but expect strong reactions from the other person so be prepared as you can be for this.
Have an idea of what you are going to say and offer a well deserved explanation. Everyone deserves to know the reason the breakup is occurring. There is no need to drag out every little detail, but be ready to explain yourself. Knowing what to say and how to say it will make you a lot calmer during the breakup process. There is no reason to get angry or upset as that will just make matter much worse.
You might start off by saying something like, "I don't think things are working out..." then go into the reason why they are not. This will give you a start into the hard conversation you know that is coming.
Again, make sure not to change your mind or leave any indication that it could work out. You want to be resolute in what you are doing. Make it very clear that it is absolutely over. Try to bring out the positives in the other as you talk to them and wish them the best luck in life. It sounds corny but it is the best you can do.
Never argue or point out faults that have led to the breakup decision. It's fine to give a reason but pointing out faults and digging into the other person is just mean and pointless. You are talking to them to end the relationship and not drag them down any further.
Afterwords, don't bad mouth them or spread any stories of the breakup. There are no parting gifts given to the other. Make sure to help the other person by not contacting them. As tempting as it might be to call them and make sure they are okay, DON'T! This can lead them into thinking you still are interested in them. Give them time to get over everything that has just happened.
Best Wishes,
Jon

