Suzy s friend Marcy would tell Don s friend Joey that Suzy wanted to break up with Don. The first primitive technique is what I call The Weenie Way. This is where Suzy just flat out stops calling Don. She doesn t return his calls or email, and hopes he ll just get the idea and give up on her. Or Bill goes out on a few dates with Nancy, then simply never calls her again.
Many adults still use the Weenie Way as a form of avoidance rather than being direct and upfront.
Then there s the old Make them hate me routine . Of course we can t leave out the Drop subtle hints for what seems like forever version of breaking up. If we don t show a lot of enthusiasm, seem to be slowly losing interest, and just kind of hint around, maybe they ll get a clue. All of these approaches reflect a sorry state of immaturity, but still happen everyday around us anyway. It is my belief that the more direct you are, the more open and honest from the beginning, the easier it is to break up in a manner that leaves a mutual respect and sometimes a friendship intact.