Q&A for How to Break Up with Your Girlfriend Nicely

When you break up with someone, it can feel like a really long and mountainous journey. If you don't have a compass or a clear path, you may feel lost. To regain direction it's important to make the decision to move on, and start doing seemingly insignificant tasks that bring you forward each day. Ultimately, you have to break the cycle of wallowing, and nobody can break it except you.

We're so sorry that happened. That's rough. While it would have been kinder of her to end the relationship in person, it sounds like you might be better off without her. That said, if you feel like you could get some closure from a face-to-face conversation, it may be worth asking her if she's up for it.

In most cases, breaking up in person is the way to go, but if you began the relationship over the phone and much of your relationship took place via phone, breaking up over the phone may work for you, especially if you're long-distance. If you want to make your breakup a bit more personal but can't meet in person, try initiating a video call with your girlfriend.

Even if you don't have feelings for your girlfriend anymore, try to consider how she's probably feeling by being broken up with. If you're not romantically interested in her anymore, you probably still care for her as a person, so try to treat her accordingly.

Breakups are hard as is, but your girlfriend will be all the more overwhelmed to be broken up with while pregnant. Reassure her that you'll still be there for your child and that breaking up will have no effect on your love for the baby: you can both fulfill your responsibilities as parents without being together.

We should all try to be kind, respectful, and supportive to ex-partners while ending the relationship, but if your ex refuses to respect your decision to break up, then you may need to be firmer. Tell her you don't want to see her again, and to please stop calling or texting.

She very well might. Lots of people cry during breakups, whether they're doing the breaking up or being broken up with. It might be helpful to go into your breakup conversation anticipating some tears. If she does cry, comfort her as best as you can, but don't back down because you feel guilty.