Lifehacker put together a list of the 7 deadly sins of a breakup. Here are the things you should avoid doing:
- Using the wrong communication medium. Try to do it in person, not via text or phone. But if safety is an issue, text/phone/email is OK.
- Trying to stay “friends.” Sure, you can be friends with an ex, but that typically happens after a period of time has passed. Make a clean break to start.
- Not really meaning it. Don’t be one of those couples that break up and get back together over and over again.
- Focusing on the other person instead of yourself. Remember that you can only control yourself and your actions.
- Trying to get the other person to end things. If you want things to end, step up and end them yourself; don’t try and manipulate your partner into doing it instead.
- Not being honest/being too honest/being honest in the wrong way. Remember to be respectful, even with the truth. And don’t play the blame game!
- Being talked into staying. Be firm that you mean it. If you’ve made the decision to break up, you made it for a reason. Big promises made by your partner may not be kept.
One thing I'm surprised isn't on this list is the line "you never know what the future holds." Stop planting the idea of hope for getting back together in the future when you definitely don't mean it.
Source: Lifehacker