How to Break Off a Casual Relationship

Breaking off a casual relationship can be difficult to do gently.

Casual relationships are relationships in which both partners have set limits on the level of their emotional attachment to each other. Recent research from the University of Michigan has found that women are becoming more interested in casual relationships for a variety of reasons. The researchers found that due to increased work and home pressure, more people are interested in low-stress relationships. However, it can be quite difficult to maintain a casual relationship if your partner has developed more serious feelings for you. Breaking off a casual relationship requires honesty and good communication.

Instructions

1. Write down a list of reasons for wanting to end your casual relationship. Try to come up with as many as possible.

2. Circle the three reasons that are the most important to you. Write down why you feel those reasons are not fixable. These are the reasons you need to tell your partner about when you break up with him.

3. Call your partner and ask her to meet you in a public place, such as a coffee house or a park. Breaking up with your partner in a crowded place reduces the chance of her doing something inappropriate or dangerous.

4. Review your list of reasons for breaking off your casual relationship. Practice explaining each reason clearly and gently before you meet with your partner.

5. Meet your partner in the public place of your choice. Buy them a calming drink, such as tea, coffee or hot cocoa. Start your conversation by saying that while you still like and respect your partner, you are not happy with the way your relationship is progressing. Explain that you have thought about this extensively and you have decided that the best thing for you is to break off your relationship. Reiterate that it is nobody's fault and that you just need a fresh start. Apologize for the unhappy news, and then say goodbye and walk away.

Tips & Warnings

• Explain to your partner that you would like to remain friends, so they are not too hurt by the breakup.

• Call another friend and have them stay close to you when you break up with your partner. You need to be careful when breaking up with someone, so having a friend nearby can help if your partner becomes angry.

References

• Unversity of Michigan; Vanity Fair; Casual Sex: Evolutionary or Something New?
• LifeScript: 8 Rules for Casual Dating; Ashleigh Frank; 2008
• HowtoLoveYourRelationship.com: Casual Relationships