How to Break up With a Guy Nicely

Co-authored by Laura Bilotta

Last Updated: August 16, 2024 Approved

You don't think your relationship will work out, but you still like the guy, or at least want to make it as painless as possible. A mature, honest approach is the best tactic for breaking up.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Laura Bilotta
Dating Coach & Matchmaker

Expert Interview. 7 July 2020.} There'll still be heartache, but with luck you'll both avoid long term resentment and anger.

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Breaking Up with a Guy Nicely

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Let him know before everyone else does. It's fine to ask a friend or two for advice, but once someone knows you're planning a breakup, it won't stay secret forever. Don't delay once you've made up your mind. You won't earn any nice points if your boyfriend finds out from someone else.
- Whatever you do, don't have a friend pass on the information for you.
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Meet in person and in private.^{[2]
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Research source} Breaking up over text, email, or anything besides a conversation is a terrible idea. Meet in person, and meet somewhere you can talk in private, where he won't be embarrassed by the possibility of strangers overhearing.
- If you're in a long-distance relationship, call him when he's at home and alone.
- If you are scared that he might react by physically hurting you, meet in a quiet but public place, such as the corner of a park or a mostly-empty cafe.
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Yes, it will be painful. No, there aren't any better options. Be as direct and clear as possible, and get to the subject right after the greetings are done.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Laura Bilotta
Dating Coach & Matchmaker

Expert Interview. 7 July 2020.} "I'm breaking up with you." or "I need to end our relationship." leaves no room for uncertainty, which helps both of you in the long run.
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Give actual reasons.^{[4]
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Research source} He'll almost certainly ask "Why?" and you need to be prepared for this. Don't give false hope by saying you want more free time, or that it's just a bad time in your life. You're losing him because the relationship isn't working out, and he needs to know that.
- Try to keep your reasoning about you, rather than about him to preserve feelings. Use "I" statements like, "I think we're better as friends" or "My feelings for you have faded."^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Laura Bilotta
  Dating Coach & Matchmaker
  
  Expert Interview. 7 July 2020.}
- If you're unhappy but aren't sure why, say "I'm sorry it's come to this, but I'm unhappy with our relationship and I don't want to drag it out."
- Reader Poll: We asked 1612 wikiHow readers why they want to break up with their partner, and only 9% of them said their partner cheated on them. [Take Poll] Remember, you shouldn’t wait for your partner to do something horrible to break up with them. You’re allowed to end the relationship if you no longer want to be in it, no matter your reason.
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Don't be brutally honest. You can be clear and direct without insulting him to his face. If he brings up his behavior, personality, or appearance during the conversation, use your judgement to proceed. Most of the time, you should deflect the question by saying "I've already said my reasons." If it's an actual, obvious problem (such as him being unfaithful, or something that's been the topic of frequent arguments), admit that "it doesn't help." Be especially careful around topics that are common sources of male anxiety in many cultures:
- Physical appearance (avoid saying "I'm not attracted to you")^{[6]
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- Sexual performance
- Emotional sensitivity or lack of "machismo"
- Ability to provide financially
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Research source} It doesn't matter whose "fault" it is that the relationship is ending. If you say it's his, he'll be offended. If you say it's yours, you'll feel guilty or he'll try to convince you you don't need to break up. The best you can hope for is a mutual acceptance that the relationship has ended, without trying to point the finger at each other.
Once he understands that the relationship is over and that you don't resent him, it's time to say goodbye. If the conversation has gone on for thirty minutes, it's time to say goodbye. If he gets angry at you and starts shouting, stay calm and say goodbye. Try not to respond to angry statements, or get dragged into a fight.^{[8]
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Research source}

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Treating Him After the Breakup

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^{[9]
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Research source} Becoming friends is a great solution in the long run, but a terrible subject to bring up during the breakup conversation. You both need time to heal, and you can't do that if you're hanging out or if he's constantly trying to turn that "friendship" back into dating. If he asks whether you can become friends, answer "Maybe later, but let's keep our distance for now." You can explore the possibility of a friendship once time has healed some wounds, perhaps after a couple months.
For courtesy's sake, hold off on publicizing any dates you go on or relationships you start in the next few weeks. You don't need to keep them secret, but don't post photos on Facebook or other places where your ex will see them.
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Keep doubts to yourself. It's common to have second thoughts and to miss your ex. Telling him about these doubts can cause a great deal of pain or resentment at being "jerked around." If you need to revisit your decision, give yourself plenty of time to think it over in private.
- Avoid telling your mutual friends about these doubts, as some of them may relay them on to your ex and tell him to contact you.
You'll naturally want to vent about the experience, and you can do so in the company of a close, discreet friend. Never spread rumors about your ex or repeat about private conversations and secrets.

End an Engagement Smoothly with this Expert Series

Ending any relationship can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Read these expert articles for advice on how to break off an engagement gracefully and peacefully.

1

Break off an Engagement

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3

Decide If You Should Get Married

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End a Long Term Relationship

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Walk Away from Love

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Amicably End a Relationship

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Question

How do I tell a guy I want to be just friends?

Laura Bilotta
Dating Coach & Matchmaker
Laura Bilotta is a Dating Coach, Matchmaker, and the Founder of Single in the City, her dating and relationship coaching service based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 18 years of experience, she focuses on helping singles date more intentionally, encouraging them to let go of negative patterns so that they can attract the love that they deserve. Her experience, skills, and insights have led to thousands of successfully united over 65,000 singles through events and one-on-one matchmaking coaching sessions. She has been the host of The Dating and Relationship Show on Global News Radio 640 Toronto (AM640) for 6 years and is known as The Hookup Queen of Clubhouse; her popular singles club, Single in the City, has over 95.5K members who regularly join in weekly dating and relationship-focused rooms.

Laura Bilotta

Dating Coach & Matchmaker

Expert Answer

Try to be as honest as possible without hurting his feelings. Also, you should keep your reasoning about you rather than him to soften the blow. You could say something like, "I think we're better as friends" or "I'm not ready to date right now."

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Tips

Consider handing your phone to a friend before you try that therapeutic alcohol, so you can't give in to the temptation to call him.

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Warnings

Some couples go on a "last hurrah" date or have "breakup sex," but this will only work if both of you agree on the breakup and are parting amicably. It will just be painful following a serious relationship, or a breakup that he doesn't agree with.

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Avoid clichéd excuses that are commonly used to avoid stating the real reason. No one wants to hear "It's not you, it's me;" "I love you, but I'm not in love with you;" or "You deserve someone better than me."^{[10]
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