Making decisions in life is always a risk since no one really knows what the future holds. There are times when the decision you made years before is still the sound choice until today. However, there are also decisions one made long ago that may not be the best choice anymore. This article focuses on the different steps and tips on ending a long-term engagement with your fiancé or fiancée.

There are times in a long-term relationship that one or both parties begin to realize that the situation is just not working anymore. This may sound plain and simple but it is quite the opposite. There are times when a person already feels familiar with their partner but when they are asked if they are still happy or if being with their partner is the best choice, they realize the answer is on the negative. When this happens, you have two options; you do everything you can to try to bring back what you had or you have to end the relationship. This is twice as hard if you are already engaged to be married. Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend is different from breaking up with a fiancé or fiancée. Nevertheless, this does happen. Following is a list of tips on how to get through with it.

1. Think – They say that it is never wise to make a decision while you are too happy, too angry, or too sad. It is always best to think any decision through and weigh the consequences. By the time you tell your significant other that you want to end things, more often than not, there is no second chance. Always allot an ample amount of time to consider your decision. Is the problem unfixable? Ensure that ending the relationship is what you really want. Make it a point to avoid rash decisions. If you are angry about something your significant other did, wait until you calm down before making your choice.

2. Keep it real – It is never a good idea to break the news out of the blue. Never keep up the charade that your relationship is okay or that you are still happy if this is not the case. When you have decided to end the relationship, do not try to sugarcoat your words because this will just hurt your partner even more. This does not mean that you have to be rude or cruel before breaking up. The best way is to act passive and muted. This will clearly show that something is wrong and will substantiate your decision.

3. Do Not Waste Time – If you are already one hundred percent sure about your decision, do not wait any longer. Inform your partner that you need to talk about something important. During the talk, it is essential to maintain honesty as to why you want to end the relationship. Some factors may be incompatibility of beliefs, life choices, values, etc. Keep in mind that the more honest you are, the less confusion there will be. In a very delicate situation such as this, always avoid insults and personal attacks. Your partner is already hurt and does not need further emotional damage.

4. Speak Clearly – It is important that you convey your message about the breakup clearly and firmly. Steer clear from vague statements and be clear that your decision is absolute. Never give false hope.

5. Offer Compassion – When a long-term engagement ends, it can seem like the worst problem in the world at first. So try to be compassionate with how your partner feels. Be conscious about his/her feelings, if your partner wants to say something or explain, be open to this. It is best to leave no stone unturned. It is also important to apologize if you also had a hand as to why the relationship did not work out.

6. Wedding Cancellation – It may not be the perfect time but you have to set a date and discuss how you will go about the cancellation of the wedding. This usually involves informing guests, vendors as well as the engagement ring.

When ending a long-term engagement always make it private do not make it harder than it already is by bringing in other people or doing it in a public place.