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How do I tell my boyfriend that I don't want to be with him? (anymore)

303 Answers
Last Updated: 02/08/2022 at 10:06am
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2020 4:43am
Sit down with them when you're both calm and let him know how you feel and that you want to end things. Let him express any feelings he may have as well! It's best to tell him at a time where both of you are available and ready to listen to each other. Make sure not to put him down in any way. It helps to think about what you want to say first. Remember to stay calm and that you'll find the right person for you. I wish you the best of luck with everything!
Anonymous
April 24th, 2020 2:55pm
You kind of have to be honest with him about this, because the longer you wait the worse it is going to get. The big key here isn't so much picking the right words, it is picking the method you communicate this. If you can, doing this in-person is usually the best route as your tone and words can be best heard and understood here. But if you're long distance or in a toxic/abusive relationship, you may have to resort to calling, texting, or emailing. Again, be honest with him in that you don't want to be with him but don't resort to rudeness or harshness. It isn't a requirement to explain too deeply your reasons for this, but do not feel you have to explain it more than once. After you do this, I recommend a distracting activity like baking, a movie, or a hangout session with a friend.
IngeniousForest13
June 3rd, 2020 5:40am
The best way to approach it is to be honest. Whilst it will probably be very difficult and emotional, it's the most respectful and mature way to go about it. Try to do it in person, if possible, as text messages can easily be misunderstood in terms of tone (and are also just unpleasant). Answer all the questions that they have (it's likely they will have a few) but also make sure you say everything you've been wanting to say. Try to explain it as clearly as you can, as it is already a tough situation to deal with, without being left confused.
Lavanya13
June 4th, 2020 11:10am
So every once in a while, a person's relationship with their significant other reaches a point of saturation; either because you lack compatibility and can't seem to stop fighting, or because you just lost feelings at some point, or maybe its just getting suffocating for you. In any of those cases, or whatever other reason you might have, you deserve to be able to get your own space and break out of the relationship. But if you're having thoughts of ending it, you significant other equally deserves to get out of a relationship that is probably not going anywhere. I think, you just simply sit with him, talk to him, and tell him it's just not working out between the two of you. Let him down easy if you can, but be honest and at least give him some clarity about why you're breaking up with him/
Anonymous
June 11th, 2020 5:40pm
First of all calm down and relax. If you’ve made up your mind about not being wit h him there’s nothing wrong in it. It may be stress full to think about how to end things with a person you have/had something first. Lets hope you’ve taken unto consideration the fact that you definitely want to break up with him. Then use words politely and calmly with him. Tell him about why is it not working out and give him all the facts. Dont leave him hanging because it may be hard on him as well. Also it maybe that hes been thinking the same but couldnt tell because he was scared as well. Be calm talk to him and tell him its not working out
endearingLight6463
June 12th, 2020 10:38am
Breakups can be really tough, and I am facing the same situation now, and all the fears that come with it. Of course every situation is different, but at the end of the day you need to think of your own happiness - there is no point staying in a relationship that is not working for you - in the long run it won't benefit him either. You need to gather up the courage and make a day to speak with him - in person if possible. Take a deep breath and just be honest and kind about where you are at, and why you feel that the relationship needs to end. Try not to be vague, but be compassionate and prepared to hear him out. You do not need to find millions of reasons - there will be 1, 2 or 3 mai reasons that have driven you to this point -just focus on those in the conversation - but don't accuse or put him down. It will no doubt be emotionally painful, but you will both get through this and be able to move onto a happier place in life.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2020 8:39pm
Truth has always been a little difficult for people to accept. But the reality is that life is so unpredictably short that there is no point just staying with a partner if you dont enjoy it. Hence arises the need to inform your partner of the nasty n hurtful truth that breakup is the only way. As we live in a technologically advanced age, there are several choices to inform your partner of breakup. Although there isnt a nice way about it, text messaging is often used to tell the partner that you dont want to hang out with him any more. Messaging decouples both parties and allows both to catch a breath or two. There is also face to face meeting, video conferencing for remote dates, telephone calls or emails.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2020 2:32pm
Talk to him about how you're feeling, and why. Communication is key. A breakup is very difficult, but I believe that through healthy communication, you will be able to overcome this hurdle. Of course it's going to be challenging, and it might hurt, but that's what Listeners are here for! We have your back, and we support you! Remember to try your hardest to refrain from any negative words. Don't react on impulse. Talk to them with kindness, and words from your own heart. Taking this first step is the hardest. But I know you are strong and you can do this!
Anonymous
June 19th, 2020 8:07am
Reach a mutual agreement .its okay if you are firm about it.it will be hard at first but if you've seen the long term plan and dont see him as a part of the future you have planned for yourself ,tell him kindly and wait for him to respond. If he doesn't agree,dont force him. pray about it and ask friends for help and come to a conclusion.Seek help from elders and close friends or people who have gone through it previously. Dont bottle up all the emotions.uf you've come to this decision rashly take a step back and think about what you'd want most right now.go back down the memory lane,stroll through the future most importantly live and breathe the present
ROHA
June 19th, 2020 3:13pm
i'd recommend you do this face to face. its always a good option to choose healthy ways to end something on a good note. maybe go on a lunch and tell him how you feel, completely. give him all the reasons. try to make him understand but do not show any signs of confusion. if he gets that he has an option he'll try talking you out of it and the situation can go downhill pretty quickly. so be careful with words and try to be understanding if he gets upset or something. You'll feel good about ending things as properly as possible even if you don't want to. - just a casual advice as i don't know the details!
Anonymous
June 25th, 2020 4:27pm
It seems like you’re unhappy in the relationship you’re currently in, I’m sorry to hear that. If I was you I’d try and talk things through and talk about any issues before jumping the gun and ending it completely. If you’re really sure that you don’t want to be with him anymore, I would personally tell him, it’s not fair on either him or you. But think about any consequences that may occur after the breakup. Don’t do it over text or the phone either, make sure it’s in person, this will allow you to both express your emotions equally. Good luck!!
YourFriendCandace
June 28th, 2020 1:55am
You could start by telling him that you've appreciated him while you've been together. But a lot of the time people grow apart and change, and that's ok. It's ok to tell them that you feel you have changed and feel that your situation is no longer a good fit for either of you, after all, you wouldn't want him to feel he was with the wrong person either. If you have changed, then you are no longer the person he fits with. It works both ways. So you could tell him that you think of him in this decision as well as yourself.
Anonymous
July 24th, 2020 11:36am
The best way to end a relationship is to be honest, kind and empathetic. You have to understand that this is going to be difficult for him to hear so be clear about your intensions and give him the opportunity to share how he is feeling so that you both stay on the same page. It's helpful to use "I" sentences instead of "you" so that he doesn't feel like you are blaming him for anything but instead that you're talking about your feelings and experiences. Overall, just understand that it may take time for him to not be upset anymore and be kind.
Rabbit033
July 24th, 2020 7:27pm
Honesty is always the best policy. These type of conversation are never easy. Just let him know how you feel and be forward about. Giving him a clear explanation will help give him closure. Also a face to face conversation would be best. A phone call or text message would be so impersonal. One thing that may help you go about this is thinking of you would like to be told by someone else. Putting yourself in their shoes will give you a better understanding of how they might feel or react to the situation. Last tip would be don't linger. Says what needs to say and move on. This will keep the situation from escalating.
KristinaJ86
July 29th, 2020 7:03pm
Relationships can be difficult at times - especially if you no longer want to be in them. It may not be easy to tell someone that you no longer want to be in the relationship with them. It can be hurtful to the person. However, it can be more hurtful to live a lie. Others can tell most times if you are truly in the relationship with them and are genuine or not. In past relationships, I have worked with how I was best able to communicate my emotions to the person and the best way for them to understand where I was coming from. I also considered their feelings. If I felt that the person would argue with me or want to resort to begging, I would write them a letter. Not a text messege. Writing a letter gives them a chance to truly see how you feel as long as you communicate this effectively. Try not to put the person down or speak unkind words. Point out some good things ou have experienced in the relationship. This may soften the blow. Speak honestly and kindly. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2020 4:45am
Relationships can be hard. No matter what it is, there should always be honesty in a relationship and transparency. I believe you should talk to your boyfriend peacefully and let him know your feelings and reasons to leave. Make him understand in the politest way possible, so as to hurt him in the least way possible. Because you need to take care of his feelings too and understand how he feels from his side. Also, answer all his questions honestly and leave so he moves on properly. Moreover, if you don't feel like being in a relationship, don't. Don't feel pressurized to be while talking to him. Good luck!
magicalrose22
August 14th, 2020 1:16am
Be gentle with a kind heart as you open yourself up to express yourself to him. Imagine yourself in his position as you say what you need to say to him this will help you. Most likely he will be hurt but if you approach the situation with kindness it will be a better situation for you both. Speaking your truth is so important. Remember that some people are in our lives for a short time others for a longer time and we learn something from every relationship we encounter. He will be ok. You will be ok. You are being re-directed in another direction and this is ok. Say what is on your heart.
Anonymous
August 27th, 2020 2:57am
Ask your boyfriend if you have time to talk, then try to calmly explain to him that you feel that you don't want to be in the relationship anymore and explain the reasons why. It will be difficult for him and for you, but letting him know that this is the best for the two of you will be reassuring to you too. If he becomes aggressive or you feel unsafe, please notify someone close to you (possibly someone who can pick you up) of what is going on and leave the situation immediately in order to get somewhere safe.
Anonymous
August 28th, 2020 5:44am
Be straight forward about it. You don't want to string him along. Be as kind as possible. Write down all the reasons why you don't want to be with him. See and practice how you can break it to him as kindly as possible. Do that. Don't beat around the bush. Try to reason with him. Don't be too harsh on him. Don't say things that will bring his self esteem down. And ofcourse put your point across. Stand firm in your decision if you're completely sure that you don't want to be with him. All the best to you.
Anonymous
August 29th, 2020 7:37am
People change and so does their heart. Your relationship may not have turned out the way you wanted it to be. And it is absolutely normal. Be direct and tell him the truth. Don't beat around the bush. Making excuses and lying would hurt both of you. When breaking up, Do it peacefully. Be prepared for any kind of reaction. And most importantly you don't have to explain yourself. Don't think about what he will think or feel. Just be honest.
brilliantHeart3714
August 29th, 2020 7:10pm
You must have reasons as to why you don't want to be with him? So tell him those reasons be honest with him there's no point in treating someone badly or ghosting someone because you can't deal with facing someone and telling them why. Treat people with the same respect as you wish to be treated. It will help them move on to their next relationship easier without feeling like they don't understand as to what went wrong. There was no point in treating people Cruelty so honesty is the best policy, and it saves lines being crossed after which is uncomfortable for both parties.
Anonymous
August 30th, 2020 12:29pm
Make sure he knows not everything is your fault! Be completely honest with him and try and say things in the least hurtful ways possible. Explain to him that things are just not working out and it's just the time. Also, from personal experience I believe you should talk to him about it in real life, instead of over text (If you are able to), as sometimes online break ups can be quite worse than talking it out in person. Possibly refrain from bringing up any memories of you guys as that might make it harder for them to get around the idea of you breaking up with them, best of luck
BeCalm
September 9th, 2020 9:45pm
Be honest about you feelings however still respecting his. Appreciate what he did for you and respectfully and honestly tell him. Relationship end all the time but breaking a heart is delicate and must be treated with respect. You may not want to breakup while making the other person feel like you take him for granted. It is have to find decent people we can connect to these days and this is someone you once love and for whatever reason if the relationship needs to end it is understandable as you what him and yourself to be both happy while in a relationship.
Ran3707
September 20th, 2020 3:53am
You might talk about what is healthy for you in terms of your desires and aspirations. You might talk about your activities in this direction to show that you are creating movement in that direction. Then you can talk about the support you need to continue on this path. Finally, you can indicate that it is your certain will to continue to follow your desires and aspirations. You could then indicate that your boyfriend can support you in this or not. If you desire, you can say that you do not see how he can support you in this and that you are going elsewhere to continue your activities.
Anonymous
September 30th, 2020 2:09pm
Well, you can be honest about why and when you began to feel this way. That way, you have a reason when he comes with questions. If he truly loves you, he will understand your reasoning and be mature about it. Have a mature conversation with him and be ready for backlash if it happens. The main thing I would say is do not go about from an angry or mad point of view. That will just make things worse. It should be a peaceful conversation. Know that your feelings are valid, and don't let anyone tell you any different.
KuroUsagi3038
October 6th, 2020 7:48pm
In my experience people have an easier time accepting bad news or even rejection if they can understand and relate to the reasons and intentions behind it. If you don't want to be with him you should tactfully and considerately communicate to him why you think it would be a bad idea to continue the relationship. Most cases values do not align and I find that if you make it clear that you are not on the same page and you cannot and will not(because of your personal values) do anything to change that; they should respect that you have made a personal decision.
lruss09
October 11th, 2020 9:17pm
It depends on why you don't want to be with them. Typically, you should always be honest with your significant other. The truth hurts sometimes. However, sometimes it is best to not get into detail with why you want to break up. I had an ex girlfriend who I fell out of love with because of her personality. She had been broken up with before because of her personality, so another break up because of this would make her feel unlovable. So I just said I need time to focus on myself so she wouldn't beat herself up about it. So you don't always have to give your one hundred percent thoughts, but don't leave them with no explanation.
caringFriend10
October 15th, 2020 4:22pm
Its important to be honest and straight up out of respect to him and the relationship you guys are in. You should definitely try to sit and talk it out as calmly as possible with the hopes that he understands. Although he most likely will be upset, he will get over it and will be happy that he isn't holding you back from being with someone who truly makes you happy. In the moment it will be difficult, however at the end of the day, you both will end up finding the right person. I recommend starting the conversation when he is in a good mood and is calm. Begin by saying how much you have appreciated your time together and try to lean into explaining the reason why you do not want to be with him anymore.
cuteOrange213
October 17th, 2020 2:59pm
Firstly, it depends on how is your relationship with your boyfriend. If you have an okay relationship with him, I think it would be best if you sit down and have the hard discussions. I know it is going to be hard, but I think if you both respect each other, I think it will fine. I think you should figure out exactly how, what and when you are going to break the news to him. And if your relationship with your boyfriend isn't that good, maybe you could find a neutral setting to break the news to him. Make sure your safety is priority.
Ar33
October 18th, 2020 7:40pm
Communication is always the key to any relationship, even if you decide on breaking things off. It's an important thing to do, even if it may seem difficult. Understandably confrontation is hard so here's a fewthings you can do: - Start off by setting a time and a place that won't attract attention; somewhere quiet and away from prying eyes. - Start off by letting him know how much you appreciate him and all the ways he's impacted you positively. - Then proceed to give him a solid and clear reason as to why you want to end off the relationship in a calm manner. - Add anything else you want him to know: if you want to remain friends afterwards or cut off all contact.