How To Leave A Bad Relationship

Sorry that you're in a bad relationship, but you don't want my pity, you want to know how to leave the bad relationship. This is a tricky situation that has the potential to really cause some damage if done poorly, so read these suggestions carefully. Follow these steps to leave a bad relationship.

1. Consider how long you've been together. If this is a newer relationship, that doesn't mean you can abruptly pull the rip cord just because of the shorter length of time. If the other person is still in the honeymoon stage of dating, then disappearing without much of an explanation can really hurt and confuse them. This is not what you want. You really don't want this person bad-mouthing you to everyone as a jerk for months afterward.
2. Keep it simple and real. Saying something as simple and as respectful as "Something in our relationship isn't right for me," or "This connection between us isn't working like I thought it would," can start a dialogue in the right direction. Your friend might be taken by surprise, but telling the truth kindly will be better in the long run than avoiding the situation. Avoid blaming them or pointing to any flaws they have. Notice that the examples focus on yourself, not the other person. If you are with someone who is smitten with you, you might have to repeat yourself, but that's okay. Communicating is better than not communicating.
3. Don't fall for your friends' bad advice. Your buddies might tell you to break up in a public place, but this is a bad idea. A restaurant is probably the worst idea. Instead of listening to you and processing what you're saying, she will be focused on how embarrassed she feels, and her feelings will be blamed on you. If you can understand that that is worse than sitting through some tears, then you're on the right track.
4. Start communicating as soon as you know it's going bad. You should start telling your partner that you don't feel the relationship is working out for you as soon as you're sure of it. You may not be able to just bolt off into the shadows and never see this person again unless you want a bad reputation with the women and bad karma to boot. Give her some warning, start to ease off, and then make your message more solid each day until you reach the end. Gradual realization is much better than an abrupt separation. There is a reason for closure, so don't skip it, no matter how tempting it is to just blurt out an excuse and never speak again.