Relationships: How to End a Bad Relationship

By Geanice Gee M.A. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in dysfunctional relationships with people who make us feel miserable; and we've all heard the old saying that "misery loves company", but this type of company should be avoided. Even though we're not happy, we often stay in bad or dead end relationships for various reasons. However, if you're feeling trapped in a detrimental relationship, it would be best to end the relationship, so that you can move on and find happiness. 

In fact, there are things that you should and shouldn't do when ending a relationship. As a matter of fact, you should be considerate of your partner's  feelings and think of the potential effect you may have on him or her after delivering the bad news. Listed below are a few tips on what you shouldn't  and should do when ending a relationship. 

Don'ts  

·         Don't break up with someone over-the-phone or through voicemail

·         Don't ask someone else to relay the message for you

·         Don't deliver the news in a public place

·         Don't drunk text/dial the person with the message saying that "it's over"

·         Don't tell someone else that you plan to end the relationship before telling your partner

·         Don't randomly break up with your partner; your partner should know that you're unhappy before you decide to terminate the relationship

·         Don't tell your partner that you're leaving him or her for someone else; this could get physical

·         Don't belittle your partner or make excuses

·         Don't try to make your partner feel better about the situation

Do's 

·         Give your partner time to digest the news

·         Talk about your role in the relationship

·         Talk about how the relationship has affected you

·         Be calm

·         Be rational

·         Be considerate

·         Be courteous

·         Know when to stop talking