This is not about the death of a loved one. This is about breakups. About something that we all have gone through at some point in our lives. This is about relationships, and the ending of relationships. In some respects, maybe it is about a death. A death of that intimate relationship with another person.

Personally, I’ve never been any good at letting go, but there are some things that you shouldn’t be good at, maybe this is one of those things. It’s not a perfect world, and neither are breakups.

But, I think there are ways to go about ending a relationship the proper way.

Ending relationships should be done face to face. Call me old fashioned, but when someone breaks up with you through email or text message, I think that signals disrespect, not only for that person, but for the relationship that you had.

Another thing that you should consider, is maybe trying to think about what you should say. This is a moment, that will have an affect on both of you, and maybe have a profound affect on the person that you are breaking up with. So, try practicing, because in that moment, when things get a little heated, if you don’t have something planned, you may just end up saying something really stupid.

Be honest. There are times, when you want to say something untrue, just to get out of your relationship, but what does that say about you? Taking the easy way out so that you don’t have to face having to hurt that person, not only is disrespectful to that person, but in the end, you won’t truly grow as a person yourself. So be honest, because if you were in the other shoe, wouldn’t you want honesty instead of a made up lie?

Be compassionate. Know that this decision will hurt, and approach the situation the way you would want to be approached.

Be definite. When breaking up, you need to state your case in a decisive manner. No need to be vague, just be honest, straight forward, and definite. This is a moment where you need closure. Many relationships get tied up in years of heartache because of indecision. You need closure, so that both of you can move on. So, be certain in your response and your decision, and just let go.

In the the relationships that have come and gone, I know that each one will be different, and each breakup will be different as well. In some cases, you will remain friends, and in others sometimes friendship does not follow. But if you can be honest with yourself and with your partner, then breakups will be less devastating, and can be a means of growth for you and the other person. We all go through it in our lives, and its a sign of maturity, when in the end, respect for each other is maintained.