what's the best way to break up with someone?[if possible, without hurting their feelings.?

Answer 1

The best advice I can give is to put the blame on yourself. This sounds bad, but if you don't want to hurt their feelings you need to explain truthfully what is going on. Don't hedge around the bush and don't lie, these things are evident and hurtful. Also, you need to do it in person, if you can. This means if you normally see this person you need to end things that way. If not, phone is also okay. I think the best advice is to put yourself in their shoes to see how you would want to be broken up with. Hope it helps!

Answer 2

I think being completely honest but telling them as kindly as possible is the best. I also think if they have no idea there are problems don't break up with them all at once. Maybe find one issue and tell them this was a problem for you so they know things aren't perfect and they aren't blind sided when you tell them things between you are over.

Please, please, please don't just stop calling and e-mailing and communicating with no explanation. Some people think this is the best way (so you don't have to explain and possibly hurt their feelings) but it's not. There is nothing worse than someone who just disappears and gives no explanation. That is cruel. Give the other person your reasons and they can decide if the reasons are legitimate and they need to work on things or if your reasons aren't right and the problem was you.

It's never fun to break up with someone but it's worse to hang on and waste more of their time when you know you see no future with them.

Answer 3

If that person really liked you, then there is no way to not hurt their feelings....but if they wanted to break up with you too, then you guys would feel a little bad for a while...but you'll get over it.

Answer 4

If they care about you, their feelings will be hurt...that's just how emotions work. You can be as gentle and tactful as possible and tell them you don't feel the two of you are a good match any longer...

But you can't stop them from choosing to feel hurt...if they felt nothing, it would mean they didn't care...then you'd have to wonder why they hadn't already broken up with you...

Answer 5

Understand, you are going to hurt their feelings. There is no way around that. The best way to do it is face to face (show them they're at least worthy of your respect), in public to avoid a long drawn out talk, and make it quick like pulling off a band-aid.

Answer 6

ok first, make a list of all the reasons why you don't want to be together. then turn them around so that it seems like you are doing the other person a favor by doing this "for them" because "you just don't deserve them" and you should really take a break to think about problems. then change your number, e-mail, etc and don't open the door if they come by.

Answer 7

Unless they want to break up with you too, it will hurt their feelings. That's the way it is. Sorry.

Answer 8

You're breaking up with them; their feelings are going to be hurt no matter what. Lying to them, trying to "make them feel better" and other stupid stuff like that makes it worse. Just be honest and let them handle it themselves.
Seriously, trying to "not hurt their feelings" gives this message: "I think that you're so emotionally fragile that you could NEVER handle losing ME but luckily I also think that you're stupid and will believe this thing that I say to make you feel better."

Answer 9

well, they're probably gonna be hurt regardless, but if you want to break up, do it as soon as possible to avoid hurting them more. just be straightforward, and things will work themselves out. people break up everyday, and it's just something that people have to deal with. just do it, and they will eventually move on.

Answer 10

Do it in person! There is nothing more rude than breaking up over the phone or on IM or by e-mail.