How Do I Break Up with My Boyfriend or Girlfriend?

For Teens

How Do I Break Up with My Boyfriend or Girlfriend?

Is it time to move on?

We know it isn’t easy to do, and every relationship and person is unique, so it’s hard to give personal advice on what to do in your particular situation, but here’s some general advice about how to respectfully tell someone you’d like to end a relationship:

First, assess the situation. Think about why you want to break up with your significant other. Is this something you could discuss together? The resources below give you some great questions to consider before making a decision.
If you decide that parting ways is what you want to do, think about what you are going to say before you say it.
Be honest.
Keep in mind there is no right or wrong way to break up with someone.
Understand that the other person may feel hurt.
Keep the breakup private and respectful—“face it, don’t Facebook it.”

Source

“Rejection, Breakups and Moving On.” Teen Health and Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers, 2010.

Websites

All the Phases of Teenage Relationships »
From “The Teenager’s Guide to the Real World,” this article gives some great insight into the phases of teen relationships, including breakups.

Before You Break Up With Somebody »
This article gives you some useful questions to consider before you decide to break up with your significant other. Do your parents object? Have you grown apart? Are you bored? This article also includes links to other helpful sites and information about breaking up.

Healthy Breakups and Why They Matter »
Watch this video discussing the idea of “face it, don’t Facebook it.”

How to Dump a Guy Nicely—Feel Free, Not Guilty »
Some steps to consider when you’re ready to break up with your significant other.

Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships »
This initiative promotes healthy relationships for teens as the way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. Start Strong’s website has lots of great resources and links to explore.

Teen Ink: Love and Relationships »
Teen writers discuss love, loss and relationships on Teen Ink. Browse through articles for more advice about breaking up with a significant other—or what to do if your significant other breaks up with you.