The Breakup
Rahul and his girlfriend realise their relationship isn't working anymore, and have a difficult conversation about ending things.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Is everything okay between you two?
- Answer Actually, we decided to break up last night.
- Ask What made you two grow apart?
- Answer We just wanted different things in life.
- Ask Was it a mutual decision?
- Answer Yes, we both felt it was the right choice.
- Ask How are you feeling about everything?
- Answer Honestly, I'm a bit heartbroken, but I'll be fine.
- Ask Are you two still on good terms?
- Answer Yes, we're trying to stay respectful with each other.
- Ask Are you thinking about going no contact for a while?
- Answer Yes, I think it will help me heal.
- Ask Do you want to talk about it, or just vent?
- Answer I just need to vent right now.
- Ask Are you ready to be single again?
- Answer I think so, I need this time for myself.
- Ask How is the healing process going?
- Answer Slowly, but I'm getting there.
- Ask Will you reach out to her someday?
- Answer Maybe, once we've both moved on.
Dialogue
GirlfriendRahul, I think we need to talk about us.
RahulI've been feeling the same way. We've grown apart.
GirlfriendI don't think we want the same things anymore.
RahulYou're right. Maybe it's better if we end this, on good terms.
GirlfriendI just need some space to figure things out.
RahulTake all the time you need. I really do wish you well.
GirlfriendThank you, Rahul. I hope we can stay friends someday.
RahulI'd like that too, once the heartache fades a little.
GirlfriendFor now, I think we both just need to let go and heal.
RahulYou're right. Take care of yourself, okay?
Common mistakes
- Saying "I broke up from her" instead of "I broke up with her."
- Saying "we are apart from each other" instead of "we've grown apart" when describing a relationship drifting.
- Saying "give me space" bluntly instead of the softer "I need some space" or "can you give me some space?"
- Saying "I feel very vent" instead of "I need to vent" or "I want to vent about it," since vent is a verb, not an adjective.
- Saying "I no contact her" instead of "I'm going no contact with her" or "I've cut off contact with her."
- Saying "It's very bittersweet feeling" instead of "It's a bittersweet feeling," forgetting the article "a."
Quick quiz
1. What does "to grow apart" mean?
2. Having a friendly, respectful relationship after a separation is described as ___.
3. Complete: "The honest conversation gave her some ___."
4. What do you call a relationship started soon after a breakup to cope with pain?
5. Complete: "It took him a while to ___ of the past."
6. What word describes a feeling that is both happy and sad at the same time?
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