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Our Breaking Up Experts

MJ Acharya

MJ Acharya

Author, blogger and healer of broken hearts

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Mike Riley

Mike Riley

Co-author of How To Heal A Broken Heart In 30 Days

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Melissa Kantor

Author of the young adult novel The Breakup Bible

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Q&A

If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!

runnindownadream

Question:How do I break up with my roommate?

My lease is going to end in February and I"m ready to move on. My apartment is less than ideal and I need to upgrade. My roommate on the other hand would like to stay. We're really close and I think she might be hurt if I tell her I want to leave. What's the best way to broach this situation?

Asked by runnindownadream on 11/17/08 1 Answer»
kristen

Answer:

I had to do this recently, and it wasn't as hard as I thought. Sometimes we carry the expectation that others will be broken by our moving on when in reality, they can totally handle it.

Just bring it up naturally and don't make it too big a deal. Say that you're ready to live somewhere new and if she wants to move too, great...if not, that you'll maintain the friendship.If she is hurt or upset, make sure she understands it's not about her, but the apartment itself.


Answered by: kristen on 11/18/08
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