Breaking up without burning bridges

MSN repeated a Glamour article on the worst ways women have been dumped. Some of them were mildly cowardly (like the guy breaking up with her at work) to downright mean (dumping the girl at the airport with no ride home).

Of my exes, I am friends with a vast majority of them. It absolutely IS possible to break up with someone and maintain a friendship afterwards. It isn't easy, especially at first, but it's worth it to keep the peace.

First, don't be nasty- be honest but polite. Be honest with the person as to why you're breaking it off with them. This will help you both in the long-run. However, you need to not be mean about it. If there's someone else, politely tell them why the two of you didn't work and keep the focus on why the relationship failed- including admitting if you have a wandering eye. Being deceptive makes you look bad and doesn't help the other person.

Secondly, give each other some space. After a break-up, both parties need time to reorganize themselves and heal. If the other person is constantly contacting you, be firm or polite that you need some time. The constant contact is like rubbing salt in the wound, or making the other person unable to get over you.

Finally, forgive and be respectful. This is harder than it sounds but it's something both parties need to do in order to build a friendship. Don't rub a new relationship in the other's face. Don't do things to hurt the other person. Forgive the past, move on with the future, and be considerate when dealing with your ex. Remember that you cared enough about this person to be in a relationship with them in the first place, and use that memory to help you maintain respect through the breakup.