What to Say When Breaking Up with a Guy

Get to the Point

Don’t beat around the bush by starting out with “we need to talk,” and then going through all the reasons why the relationship isn’t working out. Instead, get straight to the point by saying “I think it’s time for us to go our separate ways,” and then open the conversation to discuss why the relationship is over.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

Many people seem to think that telling small lies will protect the other person’s feelings, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you respect your partner, you will be completely honest with him about why you’re breaking up with him. And remember, being honest doesn’t equate to being mean, so think about how you will tell your guy the truth.

Use “I” Statements

While saying “It’s not you, it’s me.” can feel like an easy cop out, it’s still easier on the other person than saying “You did this.” and “You did that.” and “You always [whatever]…” Saying “you” all the time is extremely accusatory, and it may do more damage than you think. After all, it took two to make the relationship work, and two to make the relationship fail.

Be Kind

Don’t let your breakup turn into a screaming match. It’s not always about what you say, but about how you say it. Use kind words and avoid jumping on the defense. You can still be kind in your breakup while being firm. Your guy is more likely to understand you if you’re nice about the breakup.

Timing Is Everything

Although there is never actually a good time to have the conversation of breaking up, you can choose to do it at a time when stress levels are low. If your man had a terrible day at work, breaking up with him will really make his day go from bad to worse. 

Be Specific

Make your guy understand why you’re breaking up with him by being specific about things that have led you to this point. If you’re not sure what to say when breaking up with a guy, consider detailed examples of his behavior, or incidents which have made it clear to you that the relationship is not going to work.

Never Say “Never”

Never say “always” or "never". Avoid saying things like “You’re always late for everything.” and “You never do romantic things for me.” These absolute statements are never actually 100% correct anyway. Using words like these may seem to make your argument stronger, but actually they will make you look terribly wrong, thereby weakening your stance.

Respect His Feelings

You must prepare yourself for the possibility of a negative reaction from the guy you’re breaking up with, and you should still treat him with decency and respect. The feelings you may see him go through are similar to the feelings of grief, like shock, disbelief, silence, anger, and deep sadness. Don’t give in to the prospect of a new fight.

Do It in Person

Unless it’s a long-distance relationship, there’s no good reason to not break up in person. Breaking up over the phone, or even worse, via text or email is rude and disrespectful. Even if you don’t know what to say when breaking up with a guy, doing it in person will show your guy that you respect him at least a little bit.

Keep It as Brief as Possible

Don’t let the conversation drag on for too long, and don’t get caught up in silly arguments, since they’re pointless anyway. Once you’ve gotten your point across and he understands that the relationship is over, it’s time to part ways. If you’ve been talking for more than a half hour, it’s time to just say goodbye and move on.

1. “You are perfect in every way, just not for me.”

2. “Maybe this just isn’t the right time for us.”

3. “We’re just at different stages in our lives.”

4. “I just can’t handle the distance.”

5. “I don’t think we’re compatible anymore.”

6. “You just don’t get me like you used to.”

7. “I need space.”

8. “I need to find myself, and I just have to do that with someone else.”

9. “I deserve better, and so do you.”

10. “I think you feel differently than I do, and I don’t want to hurt you.”

11. “We should be free to meet the right person.”

12. “I took a gamble and chose you, but now I think I made the wrong choice.”

13. “I think you love me more than I love you.”

14. “Our relationship is like a broken mirror. It’s better to leave it broken than hurt ourselves trying to fix it.”

15. “I need to focus on my career.”

16. “I need to learn how to love myself before I can love somebody else.”

17. “I think our timing was off.”

18. “I’m looking for a long-term relationship, and I don’t think we can pursue that together.”

19. “Maybe we should take a break.”

20. “You should find someone whose values are more aligned with yours.”

21. “I don’t want to hold you back.”

22. “We don’t make each other happy anymore.”

23. “I feel like I’m changing, and I’m not in love with you anymore.”

24. “I can’t handle the responsibility of someone else’s happiness.”

25. “I still care about you, but my feelings have changed.”