Relationship Advice

?Because girls are often conditioned by society as well as their own families to be considerate of the feelings of others, they often are at a loss when they realize that they no longer want to see the boy they are currently dating. Many of them remain in dating situations for weeks or even months longer than they are happy with simply to avoid hurting the boy. However, it's better for both parties involved to break things off rather than allow the relationship to drag on for weeks or even months after the feelings are gone.

If you're in a situation where you'd like to break free from the boy you're dating but don't know how to gracefully do so, remember that boys respond better to direct honesty than to subtle hints. Pick a time when you're alone with the boy to gently explain to him that you feel as if your relationship has run its course. Don't ever embarrass him in public, and don't gossip about the breakup after it's a done deal. If the boy is a classmate, remember that you'll still encounter him at school and possibly at social gatherings, so do your best to end things on a friendly and upbeat note.

If the boy becomes overly upset with you for breaking up with him, stand your ground and remind him of all of the other girls who would like to go out with him. Although you shouldn't make him feel as if there is something terribly wrong with him that caused you not to want to see him anymore, keep in mind that your retaining your own self-respect is essential.

Remind the boy that young relationships by their very nature hardly ever last, and wish him luck with girls that he dates in the future.