Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Best Breakup Line

A great breakup line has the following features:
  • Clear and non-negotiable.
  • Invokes a feature that isn't really the fault of either party.
  • Explains that there really was something, but that something isn't enough.
  • Avoids being turned into a critique.
If a breakup line offers room for negotiation, it isn't really a breakup line, just a power move. "You're too messy, too skinny, don't pay enough attention to my needs, spend too much time with your friends, whatever." All those things can be fixed.
If you say: "I just don't like tall women/men," then the other person might wonder why you didn't notice that before you started going out.

The best line, I think, is this: "I'm not the man/woman you want me to be, and I'm not comfortable trying to become that person."

posted by dan @ 9:59 AM