Written by A bad breakup can be avoided. Is there really a ‘right’ way to break up? I believe there is, without a doubt, a right way to break up with someone. Telling your soon-to-be-ex-significant-other that you ‘need space’ or ‘a break’ from the relationship to avoid the truth is lame.
Relationships can bring out the best and worst in people and when they are ending, it is usually the worst that takes over. Breaking up IS hard to do (as the song says it is). It should not, however, compromise your integrity.
When your significant other tells you ‘I need space,’ or ‘I need a break,’ or any other weak dirivitive of these expressions, you should take it for what it REALLY is; they do not care about you enough to want to stay in the relationship. Do not be mistaken, 99.9999% of the time this is true. In fact, I cannot think of even one other valid reason for being told such a thing.
Now, to tell someone you’ve had even a semi-serious relationship with, something as stupid as ‘I need some space,’ is pathetic. Trying to let someone down easy or limit their hurt and confusion in this way is COMPLETELY counterproductive. You will only create more pain and confusion by NOT making your intentions clear, no matter how hard it is to say.
If you do not want to be with someone anymore, say so. If you are interested in someone else and want to persue that, say so. If you do not see the long-term relationship potential, say so. Do not sneak your break up message in a neat ribbon-wrapped package. Be honest with yourself and the other person and keep your integrity intact. It’s the least you can do, and you do owe someone you once loved some honesty.
