How to Break Up a Long Distance Relationship

Although the advent of email and text messaging have made long distance relationships easier than ever, many long distance relationships burn out over time. Respect the tenacious spirit of a relationship that endured hundreds or thousands of miles by breaking up with your partner in a way that leaves everyone's grace and dignity intact.

Instructions

1. Place the blame on factors other than the geographical distance. If your partner thinks the only reason for the breakup is distance, he could move to be closer to you.

2. Break up in person, if possible. Face-to-face conversation leaves the least room for miscommunication. You have a better chance at achieving closure when you break up in person rather than through email or on the phone.

3. End the relationship over the phone if you can't meet in person, or if the relationship was brief and casual. Although the phone is less personal than a face-to-face meeting, you may not have a choice with cross-country relationships.

4. State your intention to end the relationship in unambiguous terms. You must eliminate any trace of false hope. Although it's tempting to soften the break up with reassurances and compliments, this can leave your partner wondering if there's a chance at reconciliation after you've gone.

5. Return any personal effects your partner may have left during visits. This doesn't include gifts, just the extra nightshirt or toothbrush.

6. Make an offer of friendship only if your ex-partner wants it. The burden of carrying on a long-distance friendship with an ex may not be worth it.