Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson
LESSON 6 • 115
Breakup Tips
1. Talk to an adult you trust: Go over the reasons it isn’t working. Don’t talk about it with
friends that encourage drama or revenge. And if there are any concerns about your safety
and how the person will react, ask a parent or trusted adult to assist you.
2. Pick a time and a private place and tell the person yourself: Don’t do it around their friends.
Have the respect to do it face to face. But don’t tell them right before a big event like a test, a
game, a cultural event where they’re performing, a birthday, or the start of the school day. A
good time is on a Friday after school or a Saturday. You will both have time to start getting
over it and talk to supportive friends and adults before school begins again. If you are worried
whatsoever about your safety, do not pick a private place. Get help from a caring adult.
3. Make a clean break: Don’t beat around the bush or make empty promises. Be honest and
direct, but not cruel. Do not give a mixed message. Say: “I want to break up.” Or “I do not
have the same feelings anymore.” Remember, you do not have to argue or convince the
person. Your feelings are your feelings.
4. Avoid cruelty: Mention something you appreciated about them, if appropriate.
• Caution: If a person threatens to harm, or even kill, themself if you break up, you must reach
out for help. Their threat may make you feel guilty, scared, or angry, but you can and should
still end things. Even though this is emotional
blackmail to make you feel responsible and
not break up, this threat has to be taken
seriously. This is why you must reach out
to parents—yours and theirs, a school
counselor, or another caring adult for
help in handling this. The national suicide
crisis hotline is 1-800-273-8255. If there is
immediate danger, call 911.
Parent/Trusted Adult: Discuss with your teen.
Signature: _____________________________
RESOURCE 6a •
LESSON 6 • 115
Breakup Tips
1. Talk to an adult you trust: Go over the reasons it isn’t working. Don’t talk about it with
friends that encourage drama or revenge. And if there are any concerns about your safety
and how the person will react, ask a parent or trusted adult to assist you.
2. Pick a time and a private place and tell the person yourself: Don’t do it around their friends.
Have the respect to do it face to face. But don’t tell them right before a big event like a test, a
game, a cultural event where they’re performing, a birthday, or the start of the school day. A
good time is on a Friday after school or a Saturday. You will both have time to start getting
over it and talk to supportive friends and adults before school begins again. If you are worried
whatsoever about your safety, do not pick a private place. Get help from a caring adult.
3. Make a clean break: Don’t beat around the bush or make empty promises. Be honest and
direct, but not cruel. Do not give a mixed message. Say: “I want to break up.” Or “I do not
have the same feelings anymore.” Remember, you do not have to argue or convince the
person. Your feelings are your feelings.
4. Avoid cruelty: Mention something you appreciated about them, if appropriate.
• Caution: If a person threatens to harm, or even kill, themself if you break up, you must reach
out for help. Their threat may make you feel guilty, scared, or angry, but you can and should
still end things. Even though this is emotional
blackmail to make you feel responsible and
not break up, this threat has to be taken
seriously. This is why you must reach out
to parents—yours and theirs, a school
counselor, or another caring adult for
help in handling this. The national suicide
crisis hotline is 1-800-273-8255. If there is
immediate danger, call 911.
Parent/Trusted Adult: Discuss with your teen.
Signature: _____________________________
RESOURCE 6a •
