Emotion: sadness
Problem: breakup with partner
Situation: I think I need to break up with my girlfriend because my feelings have changed

assistant: Hi there how can I help you today?

user: I have been in a relationship for just over two years. At the start it was fun and we got along great. I think we have little in common these days and I don't feel the same way I used to. I don;t want to hurt her feelings but I'm thinking about ending the relationship.

assistant: Have you been feeling this way for a while or is it a surprise change?

user: I have felt like this for a while now but I'm thinking about if more nowadays. It doesn't feel right and I don't know who to handle it.

assistant: So you have felt for a while that things aren't right in your relationship and you don't know how to end the relationship without hurting your girlfriend's feelings?

user: That's correct yes. I worry that she will be very upset and the thought of her in distress does concern me. It might be easier to stay together but I don't think that's the right thing to do.

assistant: I can tell that you are a nice person that cares for your girlfriend and you want the best for her. I think you want to be honest with her which is a good sign of maturity and integrity.

user: Thanks for that. I do care for her which is why I don't want to upset her.

assistant: Unfortunately this may be upsetting in the short term. I had a friend who had a similar issue. He wanted to end things with his girlfriend and they ended up having an honest conversation, which was upsetting at the time but they are still friends to this day and parted on good terms.

user: It is good that it is possible to do this and still become friends afterwards. I do worry about how this would go and am fearful that she will react badly. How would you go about it?

assistant: I think the best thing to do would just be honest about your feelings and start the conversation with her. I think you could also consider when is the right time to do this so that you minimise the affect that this may have on her.

user: I'm not sure what you mean by the right time. Is there ever a right time to do this?

assistant: People who have a negative experience at a key point in their lives, such as a birthday of Christmas, tend to remember that bad experience the following year. I mean choose an appropriate time to have the discussion.

user: Ok I get it. Don't dump her on her birthday LOL. So I should just start the talk then, may be one evening?

assistant: Yes when she is available to have a good talk about this. Do you have my friends that you can talk to about this?

user: I do have some friends that know how I am feeling yes. Maybe they can help me come up with a plan off what to say.

assistant: I think it's best to be honest and if it comes from the heart then you can at least say you have been honest with yourself and your girlfriend.

user: I think this is going to be hard but thanks for the suggestions

assistant: I think you can do this and have confidence that you will do it in the right way. These things are not easy but I know you can ride to the challenge and do this tactfully and with care.

user: Thanks for the kind words. I'll give this a try.

assistant: You are very welcome.

user: Ok bye