Casual relationships can be tricky to end because we treat them as laissez-faire. But there is a right way to know how to end a casual relationship.
Because casual relationships don’t normally have a starting point, it’s weird when it comes time to end them. But there is actually a right way for how to end a casual relationship.
When I was in a casual relationship, it was a little weird. I wasn’t sure how to go about it. So… we’re not in a real relationship, but we kind of are? I ended up getting emotionally attached, obviously, and when the guy ended things, he basically just ghosted me.
What do you do? You were never really together to begin with. A lot of people aren’t sure how to handle it. Do you break up with someone you were never actually in a relationship with? Well, the short answer is yes.
# Be honest with yourselfWhether you’re in a serious or casual relationship, you should always check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. Are you enjoying the relationship? Is it something you want to continue or not? How you feel when you’re around someone is very important. Don’t waste your time if you’re not enjoying yourself.
# Be honest with your partnerI know the easy thing would be to lie and make up some stupid excuse for why you’re not into seeing anyone right now. But why lie about it? This is a casual relationship; you should feel comfortable ending things if you have to. Don’t use the old, “it’s not you, it’s me,” line. You can do better than that. Tell them the truth in a nice way.
# Talk to them in personCome on, I know everyone likes to avoid face-to-face contact and would rather text their partner about ending the relationship, but you’re not twelve anymore. That’s not a good look for you. Meet up with them, grab a coffee, and have a genuine conversation. If this is someone you respect, it’s the least you can do.
# Don’t ghost themI know, this is the easiest way to “hint” to them you’re no longer interested, but it’s also very immature and disrespectful. Being ghosted is the worst because you have no closure. I would rather be told someone isn’t interested in seeing me anymore than thinking they disappeared, only to run into them six months later at a Starbucks.
# No more sexy timeI know the intimacy was great, but if you want to know how to end a casual relationship the right way, you cannot have sex with this person anymore. You need to make a decision. If you want to continue sleeping with them, then don’t end the relationship or talk to them about redefining the relationship. But if you’re certain things need to end, stop sleeping with them. Seriously. Don’t play games with people’s feelings.
# It’s okay to feel bad about thisBefore even talking to them about things, you may feel anxious, even guilty about ending things. That’s completely understandable and perfectly normal. If anything, it shows that you care. Don’t try to push these feelings to the side. Embrace and process them. It’s a breakup after all, and you’re human.
# No mixed signals on social mediaAfter you break the news to them, lay off social media. You can post photos and statuses, but don’t like or comment on their posts. This really gives off mixed signals, and that’s the last thing you want to do. Take a break from liking their things on social media.
# Don’t ask to be friendsWe all know that cannot happen, at least right now. You need to give them space and time to heal and move on. If you offer friendship, this will only delay the healing process and make things unclear. Be crystal clear with what you want and how you feel. Don’t muddy the water with friendship.