How to Be Tactful When Breaking Up

Video Transcript

"We're fine tuning our relationship skills, today we're going to be talking about how to be tactful during a breakup, if you ever have to go down that road. Hi, I'm Joe Cuenco, I'm with Family Resources. Just how should you be tactful during a breakup? Well, remember that tactfulness is treating a person with dignity and with respect. You want to empathetic. Treat that person the same way that you would like to be treated. If there's some bad behavior or some ill will, separate that from the individual, and, separate the behaviors, put that aside, and treat that person with respect. You don't want to be irate, or diminish that other person. You recognize that they do have good qualities, and things just didn't work out between you. And if it's a no fault separation meaning that just you guys just couldn't get along, just try to end on good terms, such as you might be severing a relationship with a doctor. Hey doc, I love you, you've been my family physician for years, but you missed this diagnosis, or I need somebody else's special attention. So, you really want to focus on the fact that you want a positive outcome for this former relationship. You want to be friends. You don't want to burn bridges. Because the fact is that you may be running in the same circles again. You may need something from this individual or you may want to get together again. It's not uncommon for that to happen. So, consider their feelings, consider their emotions, consider their worth as an individual, and be tactful when breaking up, it's the best way. I'm Joe Cuenco with Family Resources, relationships for life."