9 Tips For Breaking Up With A Man

Been together a month or less? Breaking up over the phone is acceptable. And no, email and texting don't count! What would you do if a guy broke up with you online? If you're anything like me, you'd forward it to all of your friends as evidence of his rudeness. So, don't be that texting b***h (remember, emails are evidence that only he has the power to erase), suck it up and call him. Breaking up over the phone should take no longer than five minutes. Be respectful and choose a night when you know he'll be home (you shouldn't leave a break-up message on his voice mail or machine).

If you've been dating for a few months or if he's your boyfriend, break up with him in person. You should go to his place, but make sure you don't do this under false pretenses (don't pretend you're going to a movie or out to dinner). You're not trying to trick him, just talk to him. Once you get to his place, make sure he's comfortable. Be calm. Do not attack him. Instead, be patient and, without launching into an over- explanation of why things aren't working, have "The Talk."

8) How to have "The Talk."
Start the discussion by telling him you need to talk. Yes, he'll probably get an idea right then that things aren't working for you and that's fine.

Always start with a compliment. This will make him feel better about himself and it will start things off on a positive note. Without being unnecessarily dramatic, tell him that although he's a great guy and that you've enjoyed the time you've spent together, the relationship isn't working out for you. By using the word "me," you're taking ownership over the situation, instead of blaming him by saying "you did this or didn't do that." He'll probably ask you some questions and you should answer them honestly, but succinctly. There's no need to divulge mean thoughts, lengthy explanations, or explicit details about why you no longer want to be with him—the fact is that you don't. If he presses you for a reason you merely need to say that you no longer have the same feelings for him that you once did. And that's it. He'll respect your honesty and directness and you'll feel better about being so upfront with him.

9) The most important rule is to treat him how you'd want to be treated.
I know, I know this might sound clichéd, but breaking up is one of those things you will most likely experience from both sides, both as the heartbreaker and the one getting your heart broken. Think someone dumped you badly so you have an excuse to do it to someone else? Don't do it—it can still happen to you again and break-up karma is a bitch. 4 Post-Breakup Dating Faux-Pas