Whatever the reason, you can break up with your partner over text without being harsh or hurting them too much. Using the right words can make a world of difference. Keep reading to learn how you can cut ties with your partner while giving them the closure they need to move on.
Is It Okay To Break Up Over Text?
The popular resounding answer would be a solid “No.” It feels impersonal and does not give any scope to discuss what exactly went wrong. However, it is okay to break up over texts in several situations: Now that you know when it is okay to break up with someone over text let us look at how you can do so with kindness, subtlety, and empathy. Keep reading.
How To Break Up With Someone Over Text: 17 Tips To Try
1. Start By Greeting With A Genuine Compliment
Address the person by their name, followed by a comma. Thank the person for paying for the date(s) (if that is the case). Add a subtle compliment about the date. It could be something as simple as “Loved the place you chose.” Do not say sentences like “you are sweet and nice, but…”. Instead, write, “you seem like a nice guy.”
Avoid exclamation marks and emojis at all costs.
2. Start With The Phrase “To Be Honest”
Starting your message with “to be honest” or TBH comes off as being honest and demonstrates that you have put in a lot of thought before deciding to break up with the person. For example, the text can read something like, “Tbh, it was fun hanging out with you, but I don’t think this will work out.”
3. Be Kind
Avoid using harsh words. Instead, be kind and clear with the text to ensure you end things on a good note. Ideally, take ownership of the situation and explain why it did not work out. Avoid finding faults and blaming the other person. For example, the text can read like, “It has been great knowing you, but the more time we spend together, the more I realize our needs and goals were different.”
4. Be Honest
Sometimes, things may not work out as planned. However, you may end up getting a good friend instead of a partner. So, if you feel that you can be friends with the other person, be honest and communicate the same. However, it is only possible if the other person is okay being friend-zoned. The text can read something like: “I really enjoyed spending time together and would love to see you again, but as friends. Does that work for you?”
5. Make It Sound Matter-Of-Factly
If you think that there is zero hope with the person you are seeing, draft a short, matter-of-fact text that:
Leaves no room for guesses Communicates that you will not be changing your mind Clears your standpoint
The text could read something like, “I feel we are not compatible and do not see this relationship heading anywhere. So, I would like to end all communication. Wish you the very best of luck.”
6. Take Full Responsibility And Spell It Out
There is nothing better than taking ownership and initiating the break up if you are sure about things not working out. The idea is to be as clear and direct as possible without giving any mixed signals. The text could read something like: “Hey (XYZ), thank you for meeting me yesterday. As much as I wanted it, I did not feel a romantic connection. I am sure, as did you. I know it is always awkward to be the first to say this, but I did not want to ghost you and leave you clueless.”
7. Make It Playful And Fun
Break up texts do not need to be dire or dull. They can be fun or witty if you want to end things on a lighter note. That said, do not make fun of the other person or make jokes at their expense. The idea is to leave them off the hook subtly. So, whip up a fun and playful, not-so-serious message to thank the person for meeting up and wish them well.
8. Close Windows Of Opportunities
If you have gone on a few dates with a person and feel it’s not working out, send a simple text indicating you are not interested. Keep it subtle. There is no need to explain why it is not working and why you want to end it. For instance, you can send a text like: “Thank you so much for the drinks last night, but this does not feel like the right fit for me. Here is wishing you all the best with your future dates!”
9. Communicate Exactly What Went Wrong
You can do this if you have been with a person for quite some time and want to come out of the relationship. Be straightforward and point out what went wrong. For instance, if they were rude to you, let them know. Making things crystal-clear leaves no scope of doubt and assumptions. The text could read something like: “I just wanted to let you know that I did not feel comfortable with your behavior, which was mostly mean and rude. I do not think that things would work out between us. That said, thank you for your time, and I wish you well.”
10. Do Not Lash Out
If you have been betrayed or cheated on, you will feel the urge to lash out at the person. We understand that you are deeply hurt. However, control your emotions as there is no need to get into the details (unless you are trying to save your relationship). You can simply convey that you are “not okay” with what happened, and you want to move on, calling it quits.
11. Be Open To Discussion
Do this if you have been busy and there is a lack of connection from your end. Communicate clearly and let them know that you are caught up with multiple things and are not ready for a relationship or dedicate the time and energy it requires. Once you have stated the facts, give the other person the time to process them, and if they want to talk, discuss and let them know. This way, you can end things without any bitterness.
12. Never Leave It Open-Ended
You might feel the urge to give false hopes, raising chances of reconciliation just to make it feel less painful for your partner. Never do that. For instance, to avoid immediate confrontation or to hurt your partner, you might tell them, “I might rethink once I am back from my trip.” When you know that you will not change your mind, do not rekindle hope and be truthful.
13. Focus On The Relationship
Break ups may happen for multiple reasons. However, it does not mean both of you are bad people – it is just that the chemistry is not working out, which leads to issues. So, instead of pointing fingers and accusing each other, focus on the relationship and the bond between you and acknowledge that things are not working out.
14. Watch Your Statements
When crafting a break up text, be mindful of the words you use and the point of view you are delivering. Do not blame or accuse your partner. It is you who have decided to end the relationship, so take responsibility for it and use “I” to write the statements instead of “you.” For instance, avoid writing “you never gave me time” or “you always avoided meeting my family.” Instead, you can convey it like “I feel we were not giving “us” the time we needed.”
15. Pick Up An Appropriate Time
Timing is important. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and understand when it is the right time to spill it. It will not be fair to deliver bad news when they are in the middle of an important meeting, working, or in a family gathering. This is an intimate conversation and should be done when both are in an intimate setting to handle their emotions. Emotional outbursts at public places can be embarrassing for your partner. So, be considerate.
16. Be Empathetic
Once you have made your mind to end it, you may not feel the urge to care about your partner’s feelings and how your words may impact them. However, be empathetic. You have been deeply in love with each other, and during those days, you couldn’t even imagine hurting them. Although things have gone south later, remember those days. If you have ever had a breakup and been at the receiving end, recollect how you felt. This will help you deliver the bad news without being rude and hurtful. How do you break up with your boyfriend without hurting him over text? Be honest but don’t be rude. Let him know that while he has some amazing qualities, you don’t think the relationship will work because you have some reservations about it. By letting him know why you want to break up, you can give him closure. How do you politely break up with someone over text? Be honest, cut to the chase, don’t be mean, give them time to process the information and respond, and don’t give them hope that they may have a chance later. How do I apologize for breaking up over text? Let them know why you don’t feel comfortable breaking up in person, then apologize. However, you don’t have to apologize for breaking up over text if your partner tends to get violent and abusive.
