Ending any sort of relationship, even a friends with benefits one, can be a complex and often emotional process that requires careful consideration. Breaking the physical connection, fear or uncertainty of the unknown and guilt are all issues that may cause concern or hesitation. It is important to remember to be kind to yourself (and your soon to be ex-partner), do what you eel is the right thing and of course follow our tips 🙂
1. Pick the Right Time
Selecting the right time to end a friends with benefits relationship can help ensure the relationship ends as smoothly as possible and ensure both parties can avoid any unnecessary hurt, frustration or misunderstanding. Overall, picking the right time when ending a casual sex relationship is important for showing respect and empathy for the other person and ensuring clear communication. Picking an unsuitable time, when either party is under stress or preoccupied with other things can make what is already an emotional or stressful situation even more difficult.Â
2. Select the Right Place
Select an appropriate place where you can talk privately and without getting interrupted. Avoid public places or situations that may cause undue embarrassment, discomfort or unease.
3. Be Honest, Clear and Direct
 It is critically important to be open, honest, clear and direct about your feelings and your reasons for looking to end the friends with benefits relationship. Try and avoid giving mixed or unclear message and avoid giving false hope. Express your thoughts in a respectful and considerate manner, but make it clear that you want to end the arrangement. Don't sugar coat anything in an attempt to make the breakup easier but don't be harsh or mean either.
4. Avoid Blame or Criticism
Do not blame the other person for the end of the relationship as this can lead to unnecessary hurt, embarrassment or resentment. Focus on your own reasons for wanting to end things.
5. Offer to Remain Friends
If you want to and think it is possible to maintain it, then by all means offer to remain friends. However, if you prefer a clean break or think it necessary, then it's perfectly okay to let them know that too.
While these tips will certainly help with ending your friends with relationship there are certain practises which are wholly inappropriate and should never be considered or entertained in any shape or form.
1. Ghosting or Orbiting
Ghosting or orbiting is when you suddenly cut off all communication without any explanation. This includes ignoring their calls, messages, WhatsApps and even blocking them on all social media. Ghosting or orbiting is certainly one of the most disrespectful and hurtful ways to end any relationship, including a friends with benefits relationship and shows an utter lack of empathy and respect. If you want to end a relationship, the least you can do is have the decency to communicate your feelings in a respectful manner.
2. Fading
Fading is similar to ghosting, but it usually happens gradually over time. Instead of cutting off all communication at once, you slowly stop responding to messages, canceling plans, or making excuses for why you can't spend time with the other person. Fading is just as disrespectful as ghosting because it leaves the other person feeling confused and unsure of what went wrong. If you're not interested in continuing the friends with benefits relationship, at least be honest, open and straightforward about it.Â
3. Blindsiding Your FWB Partner
Blindsiding is when you suddenly break up with someone without any warning or explanation. This can involve ending the relationship in the middle of a date or during a romantic moment. Blindsiding is also one of the most hurtful ways to end a relationship as it can cause the other person to feel surprised or even shocked and devastated. It's important to have a conversation with the other person before ending the relationship, so they have time to prepare themselves emotionally.
4. Break Up by Text or IM
Breaking up with someone by text or instant message is one of the most impersonal and disrespectful ways to end a relationship. It shows a complete lack of respect and a complete lack of regard for the other person's feelings and emotions. If you want to end a relationship, do it in person and don't be cowardly about it. It may be uncomfortable, but it is certainly the right thing to do.
5. 'Cheating'
Cheating is one of the most cheapest ways to end a relationship. Not only does it show a complete lack of respect for the other person, but it can also cause long-lasting emotional damage. If you're not happy in your relationship, have the courage to end it before seeking out other romantic connections. Cheating is never the answer.
In conclusion, ending any relationship, including a friends with benefits relationship, is never easy, but there are some ways to do it that are downright unacceptable and should never be considered.  If you want to end a relationship, be honest, respectful, and empathetic towards the other person's feelings. It may be uncomfortable, but it's the right thing to do and much more appropriate than ghosting, orbiting, fading, blindsiding or cheating.
