• The end is near
• The end is near...Part 2
• Should I stay...or should I go now?
• It's time to get out
• How do you say goodbye?
• How do you say goodbye...Part 2  
• If you have been dumped...
• Exceptions apply

Be honest. Forget clichés.

You know a cliché when you hear one. You don’t want them used on you because they are so generic and so insincere. Sure, they are useful but resist the temptation to use them. Here are samples of clichés and what they really mean.

Some clichés may be true for you and they may mean exactly as you said it but if you can, try putting it in another way.

If there is another party, be honest. It is better to be forthcoming than to be found out later. Since this involves wounded pride, be prepared for more hurting words and more dramatic response.

Reassure him of his worth

Have kind words for your man. Tell him that you are not rejecting him as a person but you are rejecting the relationship. In a highly emotional encounter, words will have difficulty sinking in. But after the healing, he may be able to absorb the things you said.

Allow him to give his piece

After you have told him of your desire to break up and your reason for breaking up, give him time to explain his side, if he wants to. This way, you will have a proper closure. You will understand why he behaved in the manner he did, and it will also allow you to look at the role you played from his perspective. Don’t rush out after you have said yours.

Offer your friendship, only if you mean it

When we break up with someone, we are always tempted to say, ”let’s be friends“. This is, in fact, the best arrangement as you would not be wasting your past growth and friendship. But you must take note that not all former lovers can be friends. If you honestly feel that it is better that you do not see each other again, in whatever terms, don’t say, ”let’s be friends“ just for the sake of saying it. This way, you don’t lead him on and give him false hopes of being together again, even as friends, in the future.

Give him face

A breakup is a juicy piece of news. After a breakup, it is so typical of women to give a blow-by-blow account of how it went. This will be a three-hour telethon or a full afternoon coffee chat. Sometimes, we even go to the extent of furnishing our friends with a copy of our e-mail break-up letter. It is all right to tell a friend or two. But please, don’t go around telling everyone you dumped him and detailing the reasons why you did. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your break-up.

Pay the bill

If you invited him to a restaurant or somewhere where payment is needed, insist that you get the bill.

Offer to return expensive gifts

If you have been given an engagement ring or jewelry of considerable value, return it on the day itself. Offer to return other valuable gifts that are presently not in your possession. Normally, a gentleman will accept your engagement ring and insist that you keep the other gifts as appreciation for the good times you spent together. If he agrees that you should return all gifts, have them packaged and delivered by a professional courier. Don’t wait until he reminds you.