in: Dating & Relationships

How to Break Up: 5 Tips

No one likes to be on either end of a breakup, but it’s an inevitable part of romantic relationships. A breakup is never going to be easy, but there are ways that it can be easier on the person who’s being broken up with. If you’re not sure about the best way to go about this difficult situation, check out the following advice on how to breakup.

1. Do some soul searching.

Make sure you have really thought about what you want and your reasons for breaking up. This is will you to speak clearly and honestly with your partner. Consider what his/her reaction might be. Thinking about this will help you to prepare and to be more sensitive to how he/she responds. You may even want to role play what you want to say with a trusted friend in order to be sure you have your points straight.

2. Always in person.

This should go without saying, but if you need to break up with your current partner, it needs to be in person. This is the most respectful way to break up with someone. Even though it might be easier for you to send an email, a text or make a phone call, meeting with them in person shows them that you’re willing to give them the respect that they deserve.

3. Speak the truth, but be kind.

You have to be upfront and honest about how you feel, but it’s also important to do this in the kindest way possible. Share the essential information that the other person needs to know in order to understand why it’s over, but there’s no need to be insensitive or harsh. It’s also important not to give the other person false hope if you’re sure that there is no chance of reconciliation down the road. He/she won’t be able to properly move on if they think there might be a chance that you will want to get back together with them.

4. Give him/her space.

Once you have broken up with your ex, you need to give them space to heal. This includes space from social media, text messages, emails, phone calls, and meeting up in person. Continuing to contact them will send a mixed message and make it harder for them to move on.

5. Tread lightly when your ex reaches out.

Being in contact is not a one-way street and your ex will likely reach out to you at some point. Tread lightly in this situation. Being in regular contact is probably not a good idea until you have both healed and moved on, but your ex might have some questions or need some closure. You may want to limit your contact, but don’t deny your ex conversations that might help him or her move on. 


As they say, breaking up is hard to do. You surely feel something for your partner and you don’t want to hurt them. However, you need to take care of and respect your own needs as well. If you have decided that this person is not the right one for you, it’s best for both of you that you move on.

 

About the Author:

Meghan

Meghan Stone earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and Master’s of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. She has worked as a therapist, social worker, teen counselor, and sexuality educator. She currently resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she writes, teaches, and volunteers with the local community. Her passions are social work, travel, photography, art, yoga, and learning about other cultures.

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