Time For A Break-up!

Nobody finds breaking up easy, but sometimes you need to break away from a relationship. Find out how.

How do you cut ties with a subpar personal trainer or a masseuse who is rubbing you the wrong way? Breaking up is hard to do, but when a relationship – be it personal or professional – no longer works, it is time to bring it to an end.

If you need to say “goodbye” but cannot find the words, here are some tips that will help make the break-up easier so you can move on.

EXERCISE BUDDY

You took up running (or that Zumba class) together, but now you feel like your buddy is holding you back. If you want to change your exercise regimen, tell her you want to work out longer, faster or more often, and ask if she would like to join you, says psychotherapist Tina B. Tessina, PhD, author of Money, Sex And Kids. If she says no, you can respond with, “I have enjoyed working out with you, but I want to try this new thing.”

MOTHER OF YOUR CHILD’S BEST FRIEND

Just because your children are friends does not mean you have to be friends, says Jill Spiegel, author of How To Talk To Anyone About Anything. If you joined her for coffee because you felt obligated and she blurts out, “We should go to the spa together since our kids are such great friends!”, you can say, “You are so kind. Thanks for the offer. My schedule is rather full right now, but I will let you know if that changes!”

Pad your rejection with sincere compliments. Keep your relationship warm and respectful for your son’s sake.

NEW COLLEAGUE

She asks you 200 questions a day, which was fine during her first week, but now she has been at the job for eight months.

There are two ways to address the not-new-anymore co-worker and get her out of your hair, says Dr Tessina.