As much as we hate to admit it, break ups are inevitable. Not every person you date is going to be "the one," and at some point things have to end. But that doesn't mean that break ups have to be like the dramatic rom-com movie scenes we all know so well. Here's some advice to make breaking up, well, less heart breaking.
During the Break Up Do's:
Do meet in person. If you cared for the person, you at least owe them that.
Do write down some talking points to help keep a clear mind.
Do be mature. Listen and try to understand where they are coming from.
During the Break Up Don'ts:
Don't do the deed over text...or iMessage, or Twitter, or MySpace.
Don't make ultimatums.
Don't add insult to injury. Getting broken up with is hard enough, bringing up all their flaws in addition is just going to make things worse.
Don't pretend that it isn't happening.
Don't fade out. Talk it out together, don't just stop talking to them in hopes that they get the picture.
Don't do it after spending the day with them. That's just rude.
After the Break Up Do's:
Do let yourself be upset for a little while.
Do distract yourself. Hang out with friends and keep busy with work or hobbies.
Do learn from the relationship. Think about ways you can learn from what went right and what went wrong.
Do be friendly when you see them in the future. There's no use in holding a grudge.
After the Break Up Don'ts:
Don't become friends with benefits with an ex. It's a bad idea.
Don't text them because you're mad. You'll just look crazy.
Don't rush into another relationship. Give yourself some time to process.
Don't get pulled back into a toxic relationship. You broke up for a reason.
Don't give up. The right person is out there somewhere!
