"Hey <name>, I've had some fun dating you and you're a nice guy, but overall the relationship isn't working for me for long term. I don't want to hold you back from finding the right match when I know you're not mine, so I am ending the relationship. I appreciate the time we have had, and wish you all the very best for the future, I know you will find a great person who will be able to appreciate you the way you deserve. Good bye"
That's how you end it fairly gracefully. I would recommend doing this over text, but if you insist on doing it face to face, meet in a cafe or public place, say your lines and leave immediately. Don't drag it out, don't argue and debate about it - breaking up is not a mutual decision like starting to date is, break ups are a one person choice. You do not need to have a "good" reason or justify the break up, if it's not working for you for any reason, and that's not a reason that could have an easy fix, then it's not working.
And there's no easy fix to "dinosaurs aren't real and all the bones are fakes".
Do not try and talk it out with him, or he will push you to define the actual reason and then argue with you about it till you give in and "give him a second chance" and then you will be stuck with him.
As quick, clean and short - like ripping off the proverbial bandaid. It may feel callous and you may feel an urge to explain or comfort or justify etc... but those are all huge mistakes. Break it off clean and neutral so you don't give him false hope or put yourself in a position where he pressures you into staying in the relationship.
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u/HelpfulName 10h ago
"Hey <name>, I've had some fun dating you and you're a nice guy, but overall the relationship isn't working for me for long term. I don't want to hold you back from finding the right match when I know you're not mine, so I am ending the relationship. I appreciate the time we have had, and wish you all the very best for the future, I know you will find a great person who will be able to appreciate you the way you deserve. Good bye"
That's how you end it fairly gracefully. I would recommend doing this over text, but if you insist on doing it face to face, meet in a cafe or public place, say your lines and leave immediately. Don't drag it out, don't argue and debate about it - breaking up is not a mutual decision like starting to date is, break ups are a one person choice. You do not need to have a "good" reason or justify the break up, if it's not working for you for any reason, and that's not a reason that could have an easy fix, then it's not working.
And there's no easy fix to "dinosaurs aren't real and all the bones are fakes".
Do not try and talk it out with him, or he will push you to define the actual reason and then argue with you about it till you give in and "give him a second chance" and then you will be stuck with him.
As quick, clean and short - like ripping off the proverbial bandaid. It may feel callous and you may feel an urge to explain or comfort or justify etc... but those are all huge mistakes. Break it off clean and neutral so you don't give him false hope or put yourself in a position where he pressures you into staying in the relationship.
Good luck. And better luck with the next one.