How to Break Up With Your Girl Friend

Be honest and empathetic when ending a relationship.

Breakups are an unavoidable consequence of dating. One unfair stereotype is that men are heartless when it comes to breaking up with their girlfriends. The truth is, many men get so nervous about a breakup that they prolong the failing relationship simply to avoid having to initiate the breakup. When you realize that there is no saving the relationship, however, the best thing for both of you is to break up with your girlfriend.

Instructions

1. Start off by making sure you want to break up with your girlfriend. You may not be able to take the breakup back if you change your mind after a week or so.

2. Avoid telling anybody that you've made the final decision to break up with your girlfriend until you speak with her. The last thing you want is for her to find out from somebody else before you speak with her.

3. Tell your girlfriend that you'd like to see her. It's incredibly tacky and insensitive to break up with your girlfriend via phone or email. A breakup is something that needs to be done in person.

4. Choose the right location for the breakup. You should meet your girlfriend at a public place where the two of you can talk, such as a park. Avoid breaking up with your girlfriend at either of your homes as the situation could get quite awkward. Breaking up at a restaurant isn't a good idea either, as you don't want to make a scene in front of people who are enjoying a meal.

5. Explain how you came to the conclusion that you should break up. This is the hardest part of the breakup as you need to explain yourself without directly insulting your girlfriend. You could talk about how different the two of you are or tell her why you aren't happy. While it's important that you tell her your reasoning, you shouldn't go on for 30 minutes about why you want to break up. Make your point, but do so in as short an amount of time as possible.

6. Allow your girlfriend to respond. This is, if nothing else, a courtesy. You may be shocked to find out that your girlfriend agrees that the relationship needs to end. She may also want to ask how long you've felt this way and if there is anything that could have been done. Answering her questions can give the both of you much needed closure after the breakup.

7. Be prepared for her to attempt to save the relationship. In many cases, the person who is being broken up with will attempt to avoid the breakup by saying things such as "I can change" or "I'll do anything to keep you." If you've made the decision to break up, there are very good reasons why you did so. Stay strong and make sure she knows there is no saving this relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait at least a month after the breakup before attempting to contact your girlfriend if you wish to remain friends with her. This time can help heal any hard feelings either of you may have and can ensure that she doesn't get the wrong idea about your call.

• Remember that most breakups are not easy. Your girlfriend may cry or even scream at you. Being prepared for the worst can help you stick to your guns while you are breaking up with your girlfriend.

• Know that it is more than likely that the two of you won't be able to remain friends after the break up. It's too complicated.