Breaking up with your girlfriend or boyfriend can be a difficult situation. Here are some expressions that you can say if your boyfriend or girlfriend is an English-speaker.
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1) It’s not you, it’s me.
This is a common North American expression that means it’s not the other person’s fault . We say this in order to hurt their feelings as little as possible.
ex. “I’m sorry Joel, you’re a great guy, it’s not you, it’s me.”
2) I think we should see other people.
This expression means that you are not ready to be serious with just one person and that you would like to date other people.
ex. “Cristina, you’re a great girl but I think we should see other people.”
3) It’s over.
In this expression “it’s (= it + is) refers to the relationship.
This expression is used when the other person wants to be a bit more firm. For example, if you found out your boyfriend was cheating, you could say this to him.
ex. “Mark, I saw you kissing Christina, it’s over.”
4) We’re done/finished/through.
This is similar to “it’s over” – again we usually use this expression when we’re angry.
ex. “You forgot my birthday three years in a row, we’re done!”
5) Our relationship has run its course.
When something has run its course, this means it’s finished. Maybe you’re no longer in love with the person, maybe you don’t like the way they brush their teeth, whatever the reason, this means you’re ready to move on.
ex. “Sara, I think our relationship has run its course.”
Whatever you say, try to be as gentle with the other person as possible. And remember to try to have the courage to break up with someone face-to-face (which means in person) and not by email, text or phone.
Good luck!
Alisha
