As we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall, many of us feel the pressure of keeping the flame alive in a summer relationship. Summer romances with that charming guy you met while abroad, or that older, cooler girl from the office at your internship make for some of the best summer memories. For many collegiettes, once the fall semester sets in, what happens in the summer, stays in the summer. If you have the feeling that you can’t make it work with your summer romance, read on for 5 tips on ending it… gracefully!
1. Timing Is Everything
If you know that your boo is not the one, tell him or her! Dragging your relationship out through the semester if you know it’s not going to work will only hurt you both in the long run. End your romance before things get ugly, so it can be a happy memory for you both!
2. Honesty is the Best Policy
Regardless of your reason for wanting to end the relationship, it’s important to be honest with your significant other. Is he or she too controlling? Too cling? Smelly? Impolite? Be honest! Sometimes these conversations are difficult to have, but you will feel better after doing it and have a sense of closure.
3. Cut Contact!
This tip definitely depends on your personal preferences and pre existing relationship, but if you and your significant other were solely a summer fling, cutting the lines of communication may be the best option. Continuing to chat about your day when your S.O. may be miles away is not a good use of time for either of you and it can mask the underlying issues that led you to end the relationship in the first place, making it more difficult to stick to your decision!
4. Stay Busy!
Once you cut ties with your fling, your days may feel different. Throw yourself into the beginning of the semester to keep your mind off of your relationship. Soon, your mourning period will end (I promise, it will end!) and you will thank yourself for starting the year so focused.
5. Treat Yourself!
Break-ups are hard, regardless of how long they last! Even if your summer relationship lasted only a few weeks, take the time to eat some ice cream or buy that cute dress! Rewards for being honest with yourself and your partner, and feeling the pain that comes with a break-up, are one good thing that comes from an ending! Choose your reward wisely and enjoy it!
Summer romances are meant to be fun! If you know your fling isn’t serious, ending it is best. Make the most of the experience and have a graceful break-up for you and your partner! Good luck!