TX USA It will be crumby however it is done. But if honesty and compassion are involved it will be better. Felicia, 36
Lowell, MA USA Whenever possible a relationship should be ended with gentleness and dignity. Both parties should resist the impulse to have the LAST, LAST, LAST, LAST WORD. Jill, 61
Saylorsburg, PA USA Ending relationships is tough, but I think having a clear break that is not unnecessarily unkind is best. Laura, 37
Lowell, MA USA Honestly state why things are not working out. Janet, 44
E. Brunswick, NJ USA Because it refreshed the soul. (-; Janet, 44
E. Brunswick, NJ USA I have no idea. Ideally, the relationship will be good and not have to end. Karen, 22
Ames, IA USA I'm not sure but I strongly discourage asking for a letter of recommendation. Alias Irrelevante Gently but firmly. Jane, 62
West Linn, OR USA Happily ever after! Firelady, 23
Dallas, TX USA Gosh, I don't even know. I hate ending a relationship. I suppose the ideal way would be that both parties agree that for whatever reason the relationship isn't working out, and that they leave with no hard feelings. Of course, since it hardly ever happens that way, I guess the best way to end things is just to be honest about your reasons and hope that a friendship could continue amongst the two of you. I may just be really optimistic, but I have always tried to stay friends with those I was involved in relationships with. This question is a little bit difficult, because an appropriate answer would require knowledge of circumstance.
Angela, 18
Bella Vista, AR USA
aww dont end it at all ;( but tell the person yourself at least. dont get their friend to do it...thats what happened to me and its even worse then getting dumped face to face. and dont pretend that you really like them if you know you dont becuz it really hurts to get led on like that.
Karen2, 16
Boston, MA
USA
the best way to end the relationship is to be brutally honest with that person and if you still leave with hard feelings at least who will know why the relationship is over and you wnot be left with the what ifs and why didnt he/she do this this maybe the best way to leave but its extremley hard
Alesha, 15
NJ USA
fake your own death. definately the best way to go.
Maggie, 22
Sandwich, IL
USA
I'm sure that many people would like their significant other to end it other ways, but I want him/her to 1)have the cajones to do it face to face and 2)to be entirely honest. I want them to tell me, frankly, why they're doing it, without really feeling obligated to sugar-coat it. I would expect to do the same to him/her. (over the phone/internet is never acceptable.)
Johanna, 18
OK USA
Say it's over, walk away and don't look back!
Christina
MI USA
I think it greatly depends on the type of relationship it was overall. In some cases, it's really better just to walk away and chalk it up to experience. Most of the time, however, if you have taken the time to establish a one-time decent relationship with someone, they are probably worthy of a face-to-face explanation to put some closure in place. (sometimes, the upward airing of a particular finger can provide all closure needed -- come on, we've all had one of those I'm sure)
Fisch, 46
Preston, CT USA
Face-to-face, politely and sincerely. Don't lie, just tell it like it is. Lies can only make it worse, especially if the other person finds out the truth.
Doug2, 29
Overland Park, KS USA
Run. Screaming.
Nicci, 27
Las Vegas, NV
USA
As far as I can remember, I've only ended one relationship in my life. My first husband got drunk and hurt me so when he was away, I packed my clothes and took a flight going anywhere but there.
Reba, 50+
Silver Spring, MD USA
Hmm there are two questions for 1/29? :P The best way to end a relationship? Shotgun.. just kidding. Take him/her to a barry manilow concert! Introduce him/her to your parents! tell him/her you are really a guy/girl.. hehehehe no i just cant take the question seriously.
Talia, 24
Wilton, CT
USA
I'm not sure; the relationship is usually ended by the other person, and it usually hurts...as long as the friendship remains, I guess that is best.
Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH
USA
by just telling them to their face in a non-public place. just being sincere and honest.
Patty
be completely honest and do it in person no letters or phone calls.
Nicole2, 20
FL USA
've always had huge problems ending relationships. I'm a woos to be frank. I don't want to hurt anyone, I don't like making anyone mad, and I'm never sure if i'm doing the right thing anyway. So needless to say, when your site is updated and all the answers have come in, i'll be by to read all the answers people gave so i'll get an idea.
Lisa J., 23
TN USA
Like, a romantic type relationship? As friends. Although it is a hell of a lot more fun if you end it as mortal enemies.
Keri-Jade, 21
Brampton, Ontario CANADA
Honestly.
Celeste, 30
Colorado Springs, CO USA
McMinnville, OR USA