FOR MEN: how to break up with your head held high

You know it's time to move on from your current relationship, but every time you think of it, you cringe. You hate to be the bearer of heartache, so you've been putting it off. But now things are getting worse: he knows something's up, the irritations are piling up, or the energy is
draining you.

Bottom line? You've got to woman up
and get the job done so you can both
move on with your lives.

EXIT STEP 1: CHANGE YOUR VIEWPOINT
As long as you think about breaking up as
breaking his heart, it's hard to take the
plunge. But the truth is, if you aren't the
right match, then splitting now is the biggest gift you could possibly give him and yourself. Because then you'll both be free to pursue the right relationship that can last. So take a moment to adopt a new mindset and go into the next steps knowing you are giving him the most precious gift possible: his freedom to be loved.

EXIT STEP 2: GIVE A HEADS-UP
Nothing, and I do mean nothing, is worse
than being blind-sided by a breakup. When it seems like a breakup comes out of the blue, it's truly traumatic. People hate to feel out of control, like something is being done to them, rather than participating in a decision. So never let The Conversation be the first time you've talked about going your separate ways. When things start to get hairy, be sure you bring it up clearly, and attempt to problem solve. Then, if the problems aren't resolving, it won't be a surprise to anyone, and emotional preparations will have paved the way to separate.

EXIT STEP 3: HAVE THE CONVERSATION,
GRATITUDE-STYLE
These days, it's so easy for people to wuss out and break-up the weenie way: via email, text, or voice message. You don't want to be that person. Value yourself and your new ex enough to end it, face to face. Then at a good time, sit down and be super clear about your decision to move on. Provide whatever level of detail your partner needs to understand the why's. But do so in a gentle, kind way by sharing all of the things you are also thankful for during your time together. Invite your partner to share in a similar way, despite the pain or discomfort of the
circumstance.

EXIT STEP 4: MAKE A CLEAN BREAK
Break ups have a way of being messy, on
again-off again affairs, which only end up
causing more pain. So once you've
celebrated your relationship for what was
good, and shared the reasons you no longer can be together, it's time to agree to a No-Contact Period. In the weeks immediately following a break up, it's really hard to move on if you keep touching base via email, text, or phone. It's like pulling the scab off your wounds- they take longer to heal than if you just leave it alone.

What's the BEST break-up you've ever had?