A relationship can be taxing enough on its own, but add to that the long distance factor, and sometimes it may just become downright unbearable. If you are a woman looking to end a long distance relationship, no matter what your reasons, something you should avoid doing is hurting him any more than is necessary. Here is how to end it without breaking his heart.
Talk it out: Talk to him and let him in on the problems you are having with the relationship, instead of just dumping him out of the blue. Tell him your reasons because he deserves to know, and make sure he knows your mind is made up and there is no going back, so that he doesn’t hold on to nonexistent hope. Have a civil conversation, try not to yell or pin blame on him, and be patient even if he gets hysterical. In short, let him down easy.
Be kind: Breakups can be crippling for some people, leaving them with doubts or complexes that hold them back for the rest of their lives. Remember, you were with him once, you must have had good times, and for the sake of that if nothing else, make sure you leave him whole and emotionally stable. Let him know he is a good guy, and that you did have some good times with him. Reminisce with him, and let him know he will find someone someday who is better suited for him.
Be there for him: Once you break up with him, he will need a shoulder to lean on. And since he has been close to you and is used to leaning on you, that shoulder is most probably going to be yours. It may be hard, but be there for him until he gets over the initial shock. Talk him through it for as long as he needs, and explain your reasons whenever he wants answers. You can’t be there to comfort him physically, so make up for it emotionally.
Give him closure: Something that keeps most people from moving on after a breakup is lack of closure. You have to snub out whatever hope he has of getting back together someday, so that he can let go and move on. But you have to do this kindly. Unless he has taken it well and wants to be friends, enable the no contact policy once it’s over and he has been comforted. Don’t text or call just because you need him sometimes, as this may give him unnecessary hope and keep him from moving on with his life.