After talking to single adults this past weekend, one question seemed to pop up more frequently than any other. “What if I no longer want to date a particular person, how can I let them down easy?” Well…the truth is “easy” probably isn’t going to be possible. If you’ve been dating for a long time, it’ll be a whole lot harder, especially if they still feel an attachment for you.

But…if the feelings are no longer mutual, you need to tell them. No doubt there will be tears or even angry words said. Maybe you’ll never be able to be in the same room again without an awkwardness filling the atmosphere between you, but dragging out a relationship just to avoid the pain of a breakup is cruel.

Be honest. Now you don’t have to go ripping their heart out like you would a Band-Aid from a wound. Filter your words with gratitude for the opportunity of getting to know them, and wish them well on their future relationships. It probably won’t stop the tears, hearts don’t tend to listen very well when they’re breaking, but at least this way, you told them as kindly as possible. I wish there was an “easier” way, but there’s not.