Unless it’s a long-distance relationship (and even then, don’t settle for less than FaceTime or Skype), a break-up really needs to happen in person. Over the phone and most definitely

over text is nothing shy of cowardly and super disrespectful. It’s basically conveying that you don’t care about the person’s response, reaction or feelings. And even if that’s the case,

there’s such a thing as bad karma. You are asking for all sorts of it by taking this highly-impersonal approach.

Have you ever heard that relationships last longer when they're kept offline? There’s a lot of truth there. No one is saying that you should’ve been hiding what you’ve got going

on. It’s just that the moment you change your status to “In A Relationship”, you’re asking people to get all involved. Sure, it might be cute to get all of

their “Awh. Congratulations!” when you’re celebrating an anniversary, but boy are you gonna HATE IT when they’re chiming in once you call it quits.

Also, when people use their social

media accounts to vent, based on how much they say and how long they say it, they end up looking a little cray-cray. Not the impression you want to give

once you’re newly single.

Did your mama ever tell you “If they gossip to you, they will gossip about you”? So true. Be very calculated about who you initially share your break-up news with.

While the wound is fresh, only talk it out with people who you know will console and support you and---please don't forget this point---provide you with good advice. And by

that we mean, counsel that will move you forward rather than anything that will keep holding you back.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to “woosah”, take a moment and think about what you really want to say. What can make some break-ups messy is that people are so

emotional at the time they are doing it that things come out of their mouth that they end up regretting in the long run. Words have a way of boomeranging,

especially during a break-up. If you don’t want to hear some “unfiltered truths” back, be careful before spewing them out at your very-soon-to-be-ex. 

The movies may tell you that break-up sex is the best. You might have even had some before that led you to agree. To us, it’s just adding to the

drama. There is such a thing as oxytocin in your body. It’s a hormone that’s at its peak during orgasms. It causes people to feel great and to bond. The passion

(or is it fear?) of losing someone can make the sex extra intense, but that doesn’t mean it’s emotionally healthy for you. If you’re saying “good-bye”, that should include EVERYTHING.

Intercourse---or any other kind of sex---should be totally off of the table. It comes with you and you’re a package deal.