Things You'll Need:
- Nice stationery
- Pen
- Stamp
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Step 1
Pick out some nice stationery. This may sound antiquated, but it's not–it's much more thoughtful than an email (heaven forbid) or computer-generated letter. This is not a business relationship you are ending, it's a romance.
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Step 2
Think short and sweet, but not at the expense of meaning. You do not want this letter to be a drawn-out review of your every moment together, but neither do you want it to be cruel.You should start out with something like, "Dear John, first I want to thank you for every heartfelt gift you've ever given me–including the gift of your time and dedication." Or it can be a line such as, "Dear Jane, I hate Dear John letters and here I am writing one. If you are still reading this, please know that this is excruciatingly difficult for me. I loved you deeply at one time."There is no perfect way to break someone's heart, but at the very least you can use the Dear John letter to show him a level of respect that he deserves. This is not the time to chastise him for bad habits or a crazy mother.
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Step 3
Include words that applaud him for his deepest attributes: "generous," "caring," "selfless," "tender," "sweet," "pure," "giving."
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Step 4
Read your letter back a couple of times before you send it.If you've even hinted at saying something as cruel as, "And I didn't want to fund your trip through Europe!" or "This is what happens when you date a player," then don't even think of sending it. Start again.
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Step 5
Mail the letter.If your significant other calls you in the two days it takes to get the letter, try to dodge the call. That may sound cruel, but there was a point in sending this letter, after all. If you do pick up the phone and talk to him, you must be honest and tell them to expect something in the mail, that you are not free to see him today/tonight. Try to avoid talking about the future.
