Member-only story
A Guide To Breaking Up Gracefully
Breaking up is hard to do, but careful planning and compassion can make the process easier. To minimize the pain and recover faster, keep the following tips in mind when you want to end a relationship.
Steps To Take Before Your Break Up
1. Think calmly. It’s natural to experience intense emotions when a relationship starts to deteriorate. Practice relaxation techniques or talk things over with a friend. Try to bring your emotions under control and see the situation objectively.
2. Assess the potential for conflict resolution. Take a frank look at the issues that are troubling you. Learning to ask for what you need and negotiating win-win solutions can often strengthen a relationship.
3. Take responsibility for your own actions. Hold yourself accountable for whatever decision you make. If you accept that you contributed to the decline of your relationship, your partner is more likely to adopt a similar approach.
4. Rehearse what you need to say. You’ll feel more comfortable if you know the major points you want to communicate. With practice, you will also articulate your message more clearly and avoid saying hurtful things that you might later regret.
Steps To Take During Your Break Up