How to Respectfully Leave a Bad Relationship
- 1). Avoid overly sugarcoating the truth or lying to protect her feelings. Do not intentionally use hurtful language, but be honest. Avoid the clichés like "It's not you...It's me." Just tell her the truth about how you feel.
- 2). Break up in private and show empathy for his feelings. When someone is dumped in the middle of a restaurant, he may feel that everyone is watching him and may have his self-esteem trampled. Show respect by having a quiet talk in a private place. It is also respectful to show compassion and allow him to vent his feelings, although not at the expense of your well-being.
- 3). Stand firm in your decision. It is not respectful to allow the person to think things might change when they won't. This prevents her from moving on, while you are free to do so. Also, avoid getting back together at her request if you know it will just end in another breakup.
- 4). Refrain from suggesting that you can remain friends. While it is possible, it is better to allow the friendship time to grow, rather than to add it as part of a breakup. A friendship may also create hope in him that you may come back to him.
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