How To Properly Break Up With Someone – blogged by: @proudlylauren

You’ve been dating this really nice man/woman, and while you enjoy their company, the sparks just aren’t there. You’ve tried to hold on, did your part in making things better, but nothing seems to be working. So, you finally decide it’s best to end things; but because you respect them, you don’t want to hurt them or burn bridges. You consider texting them to ease the blow, or maybe you just vanish; but I’ll be the first to tell you, inconsiderate break-ups like that, are the quickest way to get your things destroyed. So to preserve their heart, and possibly your windows, I’ve come up with the quick 3-step process, to effectively, and respectably, end things with someone. 

• Explain to them how and why you’ve been feeling the way you have:

Explain to them why you are unhappy, making sure to be honest and completely forthright. Don’t leave the relationship with unanswered questions, have them wondering, or worse, blaming themselves. Act as an open book, and clarify what problems you feel has been going on, and why you feel like the best and only way to resolve them, is by leaving.

• Decide Together on What the Next Steps Will Be

Now that you have decided to break things off, what exactly does that entail for you all moving forward? Do you all agree never to speak again? Do both of you want to maintain a friendship? Again, clarification is key in preventing a messy breakup. Decide before hand how you all want things to be, that way you avoid confusion and further emotional damage.

• Follow the Rules

We all know how easy it is to fall back into the routine and comfort of a relationship; but the pain and damage you risk, by falling back into that routine, is critical. Sex, hanging out consistently, or even the slightest affectionate gesture, could stir up old feelings, and old hurt. Therefore, after you all decide on what the next steps will be, be sure to follow the rules you all agreed upon, and avoid anything extra.

If you can’t tell by now, Honesty and Openness are the keys to avoiding messy breakups. With those, you have the chance to avoid emotional trauma, and destruction, while ensuring things don’t end badly. Avoid the quick breakup text, or disappearing act, and use more time and respect instead. With an honest and smooth exit, you can spare a friendship between you and your ex, and possibly your car paint; so if you are looking for a way out, but just don’t know how, follow the three steps above for the most effective way to break up.