When someones hurts you, it can be tough to end things because you may be scared about what will happen after. How will they take the news? Will they be angry? Here are a few tips on breaking up safely:
Remember that you don’t owe them anything. This person hurt you and, in many cases, destroyed your self-esteem, all while being totally aware of what they were doing. You don’t owe them an explanation, a face-to-face breakup, another chance or even a returned phone call. You owe yourself the peace of mind of being safe.
Be clear that you don’t want any further contact. This can be hard to swallow, but it will be better for you in the long run. You can’t change their behavior, but you can change your own. Blocking them through facebook, phone and email can take away their ability to contact you, so that would be a great option too.
If you do decide to meet with them, take someone with you. A quick getaway if your partner starts to become angry is a must for this situation. If you can’t have someone there with you, at least have someone on speed dial and let a few people know what time you leave and what time you want to be home. Always meet in public where there will be other people around and be insistent on not leaving the sight of at least one other set of eyes (even if they are a stranger’s).
Know what you want to say and how you want to say it. It is so tempting to fall back into the relationship. Keep a list handy (at all times) of why you broke things off. Some things are unforgivable from a partner and insults, physical harm or threats definitely fall into this category. Be sure that what you are saying makes it clear that you have suffered enough and don’t want them in your life. Be strong- you can do it!
Stay safe at school. If you have to see them at school, let your teachers and/or guidance counselor know. You have a right to feel safe on the way to school, at school and on the way home. If this person is taunting or threatening you at school, it is important that you let someone know. Develop a plan for when you at school to keep you feeling safe. Have a friend walk you to class and have a place to go afterschool (like your favorite teacher’s class) if you need to wait for a parent to pick you up. Take a hiatus from any extracurriculars you share with your ex-partner.
Call a dating violence hotline. Like the National Dating Abuse Hotline 1-866-331-9474 They are pros at this and can talk you through more specific strategies for your breakup.
Info taken from loveisrespect.org check out their website for more helpful information!
