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202 REL ATIONSHIPS

Breakups SEE ALSO
‹
‹ 194–195 Dating
196–197 Rejection
Different relationships end for different reasons. It’s natural to look ‹ 198–199 Healthy relationships
for someone or something to blame – but sometimes, things just ‹ 200–201 Unhealthy relationships
don’t work out. For both the person doing the breaking up and the
person being broken up with, ending a relationship is difficult.

Why relationships end

The end of a romantic or sexual relationship does not mean that it was a ▽ Breakup reasons
failed relationship. Sometimes, people change and grow apart. At other times, While the breakup details are unique to
a relationship turns bad, and ending it is the best thing to do. There are times each relationship, there are some common
when ending a relationship is a mutual decision, but, usually, one person causes for relationships coming to an end.
chooses to end it.

△ The people in the △ If one person in the △ One person may meet △ If neither person in
relationship may not be couple moves away, it can someone else who they’re the couple takes the
connecting in some way, be hard to make a long- more interested in, or may relationship or their
emotionally or physically. distance relationship work. “cheat” on their partner. partner seriously.

Breaking up with someone ALERT !
Kindness and honesty are important in a Safety concerns
relationship – and this is true when ending
a relationship, too. If one person in a If you’re worried about being
couple has lost interest in the other, then harmed, emotionally or physically,
explaining this is the kindest thing to do. then you need to consider your
Breaking up face-to-face, in person, is best, safety over being kind to the other
or by video or audio chat if distance or lack person. Call on your friends and
of transport makes that impossible. family as a support system, so that
Feigning interest is dishonest and unfair you know you will be safe. Ending
to everyone involved, and will only lead to an unhealthy or abusive relationship
more pain further down the line. It’s also by text message is the best choice
kinder to tell someone that the relationship instead of in person. It’s also a good
is over rather than hoping that they get the idea to block the person online –
message by avoiding them or talking to not out of meanness, but so that
them less and less. you can recover and move on.
△ Splitting up
Walking away from a relationship can
be difficult for both people in a couple.

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