Simply put, breakups suck. They\u2019re not fun for either party and, no matter how hard you try, someone always ends up getting hurt. But we\u2019ll tell you a secret: Even though you may feel awful about breaking up with someone, it\u2019s okay. In fact, it’s not just ok, it\u2019s necessary. You need to prioritize your happiness, and if things aren’t working out with the person you’re with, you owe it to both of you to say something. It’s ok to break up with someone, but what\u2019s not okay is doing so disrespectfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breakups happen. At some point, you\u2019ll break up with someone. At another point, you’ll be broken up with. If you want to call things off in a nice way, it\u2019s important to initiate\u2014and maintain\u2014a breakup in a way that you\u2019d want to be broken up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s some helpful breakup advice on how to be respectful while calling it off:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Take the conversation seriously. 2. Set clear boundaries\u2014and stick to them. 3. But be prepared for your partner to break those boundaries. 4. Be honest about what you do and don’t want. 5. Avoid arguments. 6. Treat them how you\u2019d want to be treated. Unfortunately, breaking up is part of the dating game. But even if you\u2019re ready for a relationship to end, you can still break things off with kindness and respect. As long as you stick to your talking points and keep a cool head, you\u2019ll both be okay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" How to initiate, and maintain, a breakup in a way that you\u2019d want to be broken up with.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":79,"featured_media":16553,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[983,998],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16552","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-up","category-break-up"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n<\/strong>If you want to break up with someone respectfully, there are a few things you can do in the moment that will make a big difference in the future. For starters, break up with your partner face to face. Yes, it\u2019s awkward and more painful than digital alternatives, but it\u2019s the decent thing to do. It\u2019s also important to know what you\u2019re going to say, choose your words carefully, and be honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Decide what post-breakup boundaries you need, then communicate them during the breakup conversation politely but firmly. Do you want them in your life moving forward? And in what capacity? Are you staying friends? Is calling okay? What about texting? Know the answers to these questions and others going into the breakup and communicate them as clearly as possible. It might be tempting to waver once you\u2019re talking with your partner in person, but remember: You decided to set these boundaries for a reason. It\u2019s best to stick to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Depending on how the breakup goes, your ex might not respect the established boundaries that you set forth. They might be hurt, upset, outraged, or a combination of all three. You can\u2019t control whether or not they go against your wishes after the breakup, but you can control how you respond. If they do, be prepared to politely but firmly stick to your guns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>In the heat of the breakup, you might be tempted to tell some white lies to ease your partner\u2019s pain. Things like “Sure, we can stay friends,” or “You can still call me anytime you want to talk.” But if you don\u2019t mean something, don\u2019t say it. You don\u2019t have to be a jerk about it, but it\u2019s best not to set false expectations or get their hopes up with false promises that you secretly have no intention of keeping. The most respectful thing you can do during a breakup is be honest. It might hurt in the moment, but they\u2019ll thank you in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Many breakups start respectfully but turn into arguments. Be prepared for your partner to protest or get defensive about their behavior during your relationship. But the breakup is what it is; you\u2019ve made up your mind, and at this point, fighting about old pain points isn’t worth it. Just stick to your talking points, avoid being needlessly combative, and know that the hardest part is behind you. You might have to bite your tongue a few times, but it\u2019ll be over soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Your partner probably isn\u2019t going to be thrilled that you\u2019re breaking up with them. Even if they saw it coming, it\u2019s still going to hurt. Chances are you\u2019ve been dumped before. How did it feel? Probably not too great, right? Put yourself in their shoes and remember to treat them how you\u2019d want to be treated during a breakup. Taking the high road never hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n