Things You'll Need:
- Readiness to end a relationship
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Step 1
Try to make the experience as minimally unpleasant as possible.
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Step 2
Be honest but not overly forthright. The person you are breaking up with does not need to hear a play by play announcement of everything they did wrong in the relationship.
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Step 3
Try to avoid allocating blame. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whose fault the breakup is. What matters is that you are able to put it behind you, heal and move forward with your life.
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Step 4
Do not break up on a holiday, your mate's birthday or a day that was significant to you as a couple during your relationship (e.g. the anniversary of the day you started dating).
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Step 5
This should go without saying, but I will say it anyway: Do not behave as though you are gleeful about the breakup. It's not necessary to fake tears, but you shouldn't be turning cartwheels either.
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Step 6
Do not engage in an argument or participate in a shouting match with the person you are breaking up with. Their pain and anger is understandable, so, as long as their comments don't escalate to the level of verbal abuse or physical violence, try to hear them out without retaliating. If at any point they become abusive (verbally or otherwise), remove yourself from the situation immediately.
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Step 7
If at all possible, try to end things on a positive note.
