Ending a relationship is never easy. Actually, it is one of the hardest things to do since you will have to consider what your partner will feel. Often times, you have sleepless nights thinking things over and over because you do not want to regret your decision in the end. So, ending a relationship becomes a challenge to you and you think of ways to do it in a way that you will not be able to hurt your partner too much. In ending a relationship, it is often as hard on the person who is ending the relationship as it is on the person who is being broken up with. For sure, you do not want to hurt your partner because he or she has been close to you for months or even years and you do not want to be guilty because of your action. Therefore, you think of ways to do this as gracefully as possible. The first thing that you have to keep in mind is that when ending a relationship, you have to do it in person. It is always better that you talk about it in person and you explain to him or to her the reason why it is better to be that way. By doing it personally, you show sincerity and integrity. That way, whatever is the reaction of your partner, you will be able to know immediately and closure will be easier achieved. However, it is never easy to end a relationship personally. You have to choose the right words so your partner will be able to accept and understand your reason. It is always better to say things in person than to do it on the phone, email, or even through a letter. This has to be done face to face where both of you can have eye contact and see each other?s reactions. Another thing that you should consider doing is that before you break the bad news to your partner, it is better if you tell her or him in advance this line of ?we need to talk?. This line will somehow give your partner a hint that the relationship is really heading to an end. This allows him or her to prepare for what is coming and helps soften the blow of the revelation. But you have to see to it that once you said that line to your partner, you will do it sooner because the waiting time can be very uncomfortable and can make your partner very restless. Ending a relationship is really a very difficult thing to do. However, if you know exactly what to do and how to do it gracefully, you will be able to go through with it without feeling guilty. Just make sure that you say the words sincerely, maintain an eye contact, leave no room for doubt, and most of all do not ever back down especially when your partner started crying and you feel terrible about it. You have to stick to your decision and make sure that your partner gets the message. If he or she could not accept your decision at once, then you have to give him or her some space but you should never give any false hopes of getting back together. This is the best way to minimize pain when ending a relationship.