National Dump Your Significant Jerk Week: Tips for Ending a Relationship

February 4^th through 10^th is national Dump Your Significant Jerk Week. And in honor of this very unusual, but necessary week, here are a few tips on how to successfully end a relationship.

- Make the other person the first to know. Nothing is worse than a second hand breakup, that being one your significant other hears from friends before they hear it from you. So, before you spread the news of your new found single status to the world, make sure the other person officially knows it is over.

- End the relationship in person. While leaving a voicemail or sending an email might be the easiest route to take when breaking up, talking to your significant other is the most mature thing to do. If you are able to have the discussion on their territory (i.e. their home, etc.) the better it is.

- Be precise. Make your intentions perfectly clear, with no room for interpretation. Breaking up is hard, and it is much easier for all parties involved if the terms of the separation are outlined.

- Don't rehash old wounds. The past is the past and it should be left there. Don't start, or don't allow your significant other, to place blame. It will only result in an argument, which will make the situation only that much harder.

- Make it about you. Don't make the person feel inferior or cite any of their flaws. Make this about your decision to end the relationship, not them.

- Leave communication up to the other party. By initiating the breakup, you automatically void the right to continue communication until your significant other is ready. Yes, couples can remain friends long after a break up. But, give the other person time to heal and contact you when ready.

- Stay the course. Once you've made the decision to have the break up discussion, there is no going back. Stay with your decision unless there is concrete evidence that what caused you to want to end things truly will change. If it is a hopeless situation, why prolong the inevitable?

- Be prepared for tears. Unless the other person is truly psychotic or a break up has been on the horizon for a length of time, chances are this is going to be a difficult situation. Understand that this is more than likely going to hurt someone, and feeling guilty only makes the situation harder.

Special note about abusive relationships: If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help immediately. There are a variety of counselors and shelters designed to help with ending abusive relationships, and their advice is crucial.

Now that you've had the chance to "dump your significant jerk", spend the rest of the week enjoying the fact that you had the courage to do such a difficult task.