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What's the easiest way to break up with someone?

302 Answers
Last Updated: 02/22/2021 at 10:26pm
What's the easiest way to break up with someone?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
Jackb
April 26th, 2018 6:58pm
Easy should not be the main consideration. Respect and compassion for the person you are breaking up with should matter more.
HugsNPugs3
April 26th, 2018 9:07pm
You be honest and loyal to them but in a gentle manner and even though it might be very hard the best way to break up with them is in person and be as gentle as possible and afterwards try to hang out as friends
BrittanySandlin
May 2nd, 2018 10:36pm
Be honest with them. Let them know the reasons why you feel however you do. If you've already given them chances to take care of the problems and feelings you have & they haven't. They will understand. Your happiness comes before anyone else's.
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2018 8:03pm
Be honest and be upfront with them. tell them the way you fell so that they see that you are serious about the break up
Jonathan1va
May 9th, 2018 8:11pm
There's no easy way to break up with someone, and I doubt there will ever be one. If you're referring to the most "non affecting way" you can break up with someone, I'd say that it's by text. You should always meet up with the person and tell them the truth, loud and clearly.
Liouma
May 10th, 2018 3:57am
Being honest, don't say its something with you, the best way to break up with someone is explaining the reasons honestly so both can move on and learn from that relatinship
CATTYX
May 12th, 2018 3:54pm
The easiest way to break up with someone is to tell them straight out that you think it won't work out, and then give them some time to get it together.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2018 6:41pm
Break ups are hard. It’s better to ease into it rather than be blunt. Never make the other person feel worthless
meiixae
May 20th, 2018 12:11am
Be honest. Even if you think it will break them, you should honestly tell them why you want to break up. That way, they know how to fix themselves for future relationships. I think that most people would want to know what went wrong.
softPoetry23
May 22nd, 2018 10:04pm
Like some people have said already, be calm, explain your reasons and try to make them about yourself and how you feel rather than blaming the other person for you interpretation of what they lacked. Also, please do NOT do it over text, at least meet up with them and do it to their face (or if in an LDR, over a video call in skype), they deserve that much.
LivieGrace
June 2nd, 2018 1:01am
I wouldn't say that there is an 'easy' way to break up with someone, especially if you've been committed to them for a length of time. I do believe, though, that there can be a peaceful break if you are honest with your partner about how you're feeling and honest about why you're feeling that way. Hiding feelings or reasoning for why you feel a certain way would just build a harder wall to break down.
GemmaL0uise
June 21st, 2018 10:55am
I don't think break ups are ever "easy". Although if it needs to be done, in person, and with complete honesty surrounding why you are breaking up with the person. Also, only do it if you are certain that is what you want to do.
Positivityiskeyalways
June 22nd, 2018 11:42pm
Be honest with your significant other and tell them how you truly feel and why you no longer want to be with that person
cherbrox
June 24th, 2018 11:39pm
Being open and honest about your feelings is the best policy. Leaving someone with questions about how your feeling can make the break up harder. It’s important to consider this won’t be an easy conversation to have. Being specific and giving examples of why the relationship isn’t working for you will help them resolve any lingering questions they might have after the break up and prevent unnecessary drama
Anonymous
June 25th, 2018 11:34pm
Just tell them, nicely and gently. Explain how you feel and why you feel you want/need to break up.
dosesofsunshine
June 27th, 2018 10:46am
Honestly, the best way is to simply be honest without being disrespectful to the other party involved. When a relationship reaches its breaking point, it's completely natural for each person to go their separate ways. Tell them how you feel about the situation and never forget to always practice self care.
FamiliarCasey
June 29th, 2018 3:40am
I think you should be upfront and tell them strait off, don't wonder around it or drag it out. If you are open and honest this allows a dialogue to open up and become apart of the separation making it easier and mutual when you part.
Frosty87
June 29th, 2018 5:56pm
The easiest way to break up with someone is probably to just be kind and honest with them. Don't flip out or play the blame game, end it peacefully and on a good note
Anonymous
July 6th, 2018 6:43pm
Breaking up with someone is never easy no matter how you try and do it. One of the best ways it just to be honest and tell them why you feel like the relationship should end.
generousPrince61
July 7th, 2018 3:26pm
There is no easy way to break up with someone. But the best way is to be honest and direct. What are your reasons for breaking up? Communicate them with your partner in a private and safe place.
Anonymous
July 8th, 2018 10:36am
if you’re wanting it to be quick and not as sad, try over text. i know it seems crazy, but it makes the person not feel as insulted.
GAddams
July 8th, 2018 11:06am
I'm not sure it's the "easiest" way, but the best way is to be honest, kind, and swift. Tell them it is over without dramatics or debating, and then give them and yourself the space to process your feelings.
Scruffball
July 8th, 2018 6:46pm
There is no easy way to break up with someone, but having a good understanding of why you want to break up helps. If you can tell your partner why things aren’t working it makes the process easier than just breaking up and not having a conclusion. Doing it in person also helps, but only if that is a safe option. It just means there is more closure and moving in is easier.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2018 1:37am
Confront them in real life and say exactly what you feel. Be assertive and show that you are not changing your mind. But still show empathy toward them.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2018 5:25am
I’ve always valued sincerity. The ‘best’ breakups were forthcoming, direct and clean. They gently told me why they ended it, gave me time to respond and answered the questions I had afterwards. They did not string me along while I was vulnerable. I feel that it helps if the person you cared for can move on as well
AndrewTheSoldier
July 15th, 2018 1:08pm
tell the truth no matter how it hurts it is easier to get over with by ripping the band-aid of fast and slowly recover from that rise and be stronger for it
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 5:46am
count to 3 in your head and just say it, if you think it is good for you and them or even just you, it is great that you realizd what you need to do.
yourenotalonedear
July 18th, 2018 8:34pm
Tell him/her that you don't love that person anymore. I guess this should be enough for a break up.
Nixi3
July 19th, 2018 4:37am
There's no EASY way to break up with someone. Maybe the BEST way to do it is to have a conversation WHY it's the decision you guys have to make because the WORST feeling is not knowing why you guys broke up.
Anonymous
July 19th, 2018 6:23pm
Being honest is always the best way. If you know they're gonna feel bad about it then lying is only gonna make it worse.