Curated articles on best way to break up with someone

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“According to breakup confidence coach Netia Everett, the key to breaking up with someone gently is remembering the E.L.K. method (empathy, love, and kindness). Using this approach lets your ex know that you still care about their feelings, even though the breakup itself will hurt.”

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“Given that we will all have several significant relationships throughout our lifetimes, it’s imperative that we develop the skill set of breaking up well. Here is some of my best advice on how to initiate a breakup with respect, compassion, and yes, even love. Many people who want to initiate a breakup are overwhelmed and clouded by short-term circumstances.”

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“Saying how you feel about the relationship (an “I” statement) instead of hitting them with how they make you feel (a “you” statement) is a less shamey way to deliver the news, Marcus explains. For example, instead of saying, “You’re not making me happy,” you can try, “I’m not feeling happy in our relationship,” she says.”

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“I break my own heart all of the timeFeeding myself all of these liesI'd never let someone talk to me this meanOh, I'm stuck with this person I don't likeShe keeps on making me cryIf I could, I would leaveSometimes I wish I could break up with me”

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“If you're in a relationship with someone, the text is not the appropriate means because it's not a conversation — it's one-sided." So really, try to refrain from ending a relationship via text unless it's a more casual fling, or, of course, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable having such a tense conversation with your partner IRL.”

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“Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as the “perfect breakup.” If you are the one bearing the bad news, however, there are a number of steps you can take before and during that dreaded conversation to make the experience as healthy as possible for both you and your partner. Here, therapists, psychologists, and other relationship experts share advice for how to kindly and effectively break up with someone.”

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“According to Susanna Abse, a couples psychotherapist and the author of Tell Me the Truth About Love, the likelihood of having a respectful break-up often depends on how—and why—the split has come about. “There are times where there’s a betrayal, usually an affair, and the whole thing goes pop very quickly,” she says.”

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“Be honest and clear about why you are breaking up — however, it is important to avoid impersonal clichés. After the break-up it is wise to unfollow your ex on social media and avoid contact, as it will only make the process of moving-on more difficult.”

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“Mutual breakups, when possible, support post-breakup recovery. Rarely is the end of a relationship a sudden event. Instead, relationships usually decline gradually. Little by little, feelings of closeness and the belief that this is the "right" relationship for you start to fade. Confidence is replaced by uncertainty and thoughts about leaving.”

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“A fair and proper dumping is one that is honest, considerate and gives the other parties involved room to respond if they so wish. If you’re ending a meaningful relationship – one where you went to Cornwall for the weekend and met their family members and put things up each other’s arses – you should always do it in person.”