What would be the proper, mature way of breaking off an engagement?

Mature would be face to face with nothing but complete honesty.

Thought so.

To me that is the coward’s way out. What is wrong with face-to-face?

I heard of a business that started up specific to the service of ending relationships on behalf of the person who is ending it. They do it by e mail, texting, or calling. Now if the break up was due to the person cheating or something the other party did that was really dirty…..maybe. You proved to me I meant nothing…well I can’t be bothered ether, kind of an axe to grind thing. But for any other reason of breaking it off…it really should be done f2f and honestly

No not a cowards way out in my opinion. Rather, a proper setting in which to work out clearly what needs to be said and how best to say it. Face-to-face break-ups are ok for short term relationships that never attained the status of “committed”, but a couple who were sufficiently committed to one another to get engaged is a different matter. When one partner thinks (or really knows) that it is time to split up, it is likely to be almost intolerably emotional - especially for the person who is being dumped unexpectedly. In my opinion composing a letter clearly and sympathetically in the first place gives the jilted partner time to read it through and consider the situation carefully, ….. cry his/her heart out if necessary in private without losing any personal dignity, and take the time to calm down and compose him/herself sufficiently to talk calmly and rationally, and then, in my opinion, that is the time for making the face to face split when both are on an even footing fully aware of the situation and able talk it through rationally and calmly without the jilted partner being at an overwhelming emotional disadvantage.

sit them down and explain

So write out what you want to say, then use that as a guideline to say it in person. Letters are impersonal. There is a reason the ‘dear John’ letter is a cliche.

So write out what you want to say, then use that as a guideline to say it in person. Letters are impersonal. There is a reason the ‘dear John’ letter is a cliche.

remember the word honesty cause nothing make me more angry that finding out later i was lied to by a girl.

I agree with Majikthise, especially his reply to Keysha. The letter should include an explanation of why the break-up is initially being done by letter, and should offer (or request) a later face-to-face meeting.

As Matt stated, just be honest and true to what you feel, then move on [ easier said then actually done ] but tomorrow will come regardless of the outcome that you feel now?…Respectfully my opinion…Good luck kid its your call!

talk with them one on one, and try not to be too rough on them…good luck

agreed, and answer his questions if he has any. Don’t just leave him questioning why

agreed, and answer his questions if he has any. Don’t just leave him questioning why

give logical reasons to break on his face

you have to tell them the truth and be honest with them. dont make excuses just tell them how it is in a nice way and then that way they should understand and you should still be friends xx

you have to tell them the truth and be honest with them. dont make excuses just tell them how it is in a nice way and then that way they should understand and you should still be friends xx

just tell him that we are not made for each other