I recently had the following conversation with a friend:
"Every time I break up with my boyfriend, he freaks out. He showed up outside my apartment last time."
"Well, sounds like you just have to break up and get it over with."
"Yeah, but it's not a good situation every time I do it."
I stopped and thought for a second. "Not a good situation?" Isn't that kind of obvious? How can anyone expect a breakup to be a good situation at all?
Breaking up is a selfish act that is a necessary evil in life. But there are easier ways to do the whole process.
The first step is to adjust your mentality and recognize the situation:
What's the best way to break up? There is probably no best way. But there are a number of tactics that can help make it easier for both parties (even though both parties may not recognize it at the time). Here are some good tactics to use for a "clean" break:
1. Make It Fast
The longer you take to get to the point (whether it's hours or days), the less he will take you seriously. And if you make it look like you're having a hard time going through with the breakup, he will think he can change your feelings or stick around in your life.
2. Be Honest
Don't sugarcoat the situation. If you're seeing someone else, tell him you're seeing someone else. My little sister broke up with a live-in boyfriend because she kissed another guy during a business trip. She told her boyfriend the deal — it made it more concrete. Avoid cliché's like "I love you, I'm just not in love with you." Guys don't understand this stuff. If you've lost feelings for him, just say it. He can't argue with that. And avoid covering up — "I just can't be in a relationship right now." Sure you can — if you were still really into him, you'd be in a relationship with him. Honesty will protect you in the long run, because the truth comes out eventually.
3. Don't Feel Sorry for Anyone
People will beg, cry, get angry, or shower you with guilt. Just keep going, and try to ward off your guilt. It's just going to slow you down and prevent you from getting to your objective. And never take someone back, or cancel breaking up because you feel sorry for him. Do you really want to stay with someone you feel sorry for?
4. Set Post-Breakup Rules
Let him know the deal: You won't be answering his calls or e-mails. You won't be accommodating him if he shows up at your apartment. Eventually, if
he has any personality and independence, he will stop bothering you — but only if you stick to these rules. If you lay these rules out at the time of breakup, then he can't say: "Why are you ignoring my calls?" Don't tell him what he is allowed to do — he can call you all he wants, but if you have stated you won't be answering his calls, then you are well within your rights when you don't pick up.
5. Stick with It
The more you take him back, the less seriously he'll take your breakup attempts.
6. Neutral Site
Never do it at your place. You want to be able to leave on your own time. Neutral places are the easiest locations to make a quick getaway. The longer you've been together, the more likely it is that you'll be required to do it in person.
Breaking up takes strength. I have found that people who can't break up with someone they are no longer into are somewhat weak. Do what you want to do, and don't get swayed by the situation or the other person.
Do you agree with these rules, and would you add any to the list? Do you have trouble breaking up with people, and have you had to deal with many guys who try to win you back post-breakup? What are your biggest breakup fears?