18 Free Breakup Letter Examples

Updated October 8, 2018
Break-up letter

Writing a breakup letter to someone can help bring closure to the situation, and it can even take the place of a face-to-face breakup. However, it's easy to get lost in your emotions and lose track of what you want to say. Sometimes, it's easier to look at a good example and use it to help you end the relationship. Learn how to write a break letter for all kinds of situations like lost love, cheating and finding someone new.

Lost Love

When you fall out of love, it's time to let go. Try to get your point across as gently as you can with a breakup letter like this one.

Dear Jill,

I'll always have a special place in my heart for you. At times, our relationship felt like it was the best thing that had ever happened to me, but lately, everything has felt wrong. It pains me to admit this, but my love for you has faded away.

I can't stay in a relationship where there is no love, and it isn't fair to you to be stuck in a relationship that's a lie. I hope you're able to move on, and meet someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved.

Sincerely,

Roy

Tony,

Love is like the tide, it comes and it goes. Unfortunately the tide is out in my love for you and I don't think it will come back in. I know it's hard to hear, but the least I can give you now is honesty. I hope you can move on like the rolling ocean waves, with strength and purpose.

All the Best,

Sophia

Sad man reading a letter

Romantic Break Up Letter

Writing a break up letter to someone you love often takes on a more sad, emotional tone. If you have strong feelings of love for someone, but know the relationship just can't work you can try writing a romantic goodbye break up letter.

My Dearest Shawn,

As I write, I already feel that I will regret this letter forever. You brought me a joy like no other man ever could at a time I needed it most. You brought out the best in me by simply being you. Your love has lifted me to the greatest heights imaginable.

I am deeply hurt, and my heart will undoubtedly be scarred because we can't be together. I don't think I'll ever find a love as true as ours, and I'm not sure I ever want to try.

Although you can't take me with you, I've given you my heart to keep forever. Cherish it as you've cherished me, and we'll always be together.

With Deepest Love and Sympathy,

Rachelle

Stephanie My Love,

There may be billions of women in the universe, but none will ever shine brighter than you. Like the North Star, you'll guide my heart throughout life no matter where I am. When the night skies are filled with darkness, your love will shine through to give me hope.

Thank you for giving yourself to me in the purest sense. Thank you for showing me what love was meant to be. Maybe someday our stars will align again.

Goodnight and goodbye,

Connor

Someone New

If someone else has captured your heart, be honest with you partner and make a clean break. A letter worded like those below will help you do it as kindly as possible, even if the other person feels it is a sad breakup letter.

Dear John,

It's not easy to tell you this, but I recently began spending some time with a man from work. You don't know him, but over the course of the last few weeks, I've realized he and I have a connection I can no longer pretend doesn't exist.

It's not fair to you for me to pretend our relationship is going to work when I know in my heart my attention is elsewhere. You deserve someone who will love you, and only you, and I know you will find someone who will treat you right.

I'll always remember our time together as a special time in my life. I hope you can forgive me and realize my leaving is the best thing for everyone involved.

Sincerely,

Mary

Jennifer,

I've made a mistake, and it's not easy to admit. I let my emotions wander to someone new. I should have been focused on our relationship, but another woman captured my heart.

I want you to know my actions have nothing to do with you. I've enjoyed our time together and appreciate what you've given to me. You were filling my cup, but for some reason I never felt full. I wish for you to carry on being you, it will be exactly what another man needs.

Best wishes,

Gene

To a Cheater

Nothing kills a relationship quicker than infidelity, so don't settle for less than you deserve. Kick that cheater to the curb with a letter that leaves no room for doubt that it's over.

Jack,

You may not realize I know what you have been up to with Delaney. The truth is what's done in darkness will always come to light, and I can't ignore the fact your attentions have turned to someone else.

We're over. I can only hope someday the same thing happens to you, and you can know the pain that comes with having been cheated on. Here's a preview: It feels horrible.

Marie

Brooke,

I know you've been cheating. I thought I meant something to you, but obviously, you only care about yourself. I never want to see you again. Don't call me. Don't text me. Don't even mutter my name.

Goodbye, and good riddance!

Blake

Long Distance Failure

Long-distance relationships are tough, and sometimes they don't work out even if no one is at fault. If you want to try to stay on good terms, say goodbye to your partner with a letter which ends the romance but still leaves an opportunity to remain friends.

Dear Joe,

I thought I could handle a long distance relationship, but I'm afraid this is just too much. I spend so much time worrying about what you're doing, who you're doing it with, and wondering if you even think of me often.

Our relationship might have had a fighting chance if a great deal of distance wasn't involved. I have to let you go so we are both free to move on with our lives.

I hope we can remain friends, and I hope you agree this is the best decision for the both of us.

Fondly,

Christina

Dear June,

I love you so much, and that's why it's become too hard to maintain our relationship long distance. It's just too hard not being able to hold you, spend time with you, and just see your face. We both know chatting online and talking on the phone is a poor substitute for time spent together.

If we can't be together in person, then I don't think I want to be together at all. It's too much to bear. We have to end things so we can start healing our hearts and move on with our lives. This isn't easy for me, and I can't imagine it's easy for you either, but this is the way it has to be.

Fondly,

Derek

Sad woman after reading a letter

Abusive Relationship

No one should have to put up with abuse. You should end the relationship immediately with a letter that puts the blame exactly where it belongs and slams the door on any chance of reconciliation.

Karen,

The way you treat me is wrong. If you don't realize the way you treat me is wrong, then I suggest going to therapy to figure out why you treat the people you love like you do. If you keep going this way, you're going to find yourself alone.

I'll no longer take your abuse. I did love you at one time, but those feelings are long forgotten. Don't try to contact me because we are completely over, and I will never speak to you again.

Bye,

Neil

Steven,

I refuse to live in fear of someone who is supposed to be my protector. I tried to make our relationship work, but your abuse is too much for anyone to handle. It's not fair to me to have to endure your wild mood swings and temper.

The way you treat me is not the way you treat someone you love. I respect myself enough to say goodbye to you. Make no mistake about it - we are finished.

Have a good life,

Carol

Money Matters

Whether you're in a relationship with a gold digger or someone who is a walking financial disaster, one of these letters will help you regain control of your heart and your bank account.

Lisa,

When we first met, you duped me into believing you loved me for me, but after having been with you for a few months, it's blatantly obvious the only thing you want from me is my money.

I hope you enjoyed all the money you squeezed out of me because you won't get another dime. Find someone else who is willing to drain their bank account to keep you happy.

So long,

Keith

Jim,

I've tried so many times to help you dig yourself out of your financial problems but unless you're willing to make big changes to how you spend your money, you'll never get out of trouble with your money. I'm not so shallow to think money is the only thing, but I am realistic enough to know I can never have a future with you where we buy a home together or even go on a vacation because you won't be able to afford either at the rate you're going.

If you're not ready to make changes to the way you handle your money, we can't be together anymore. I need to be with someone who is responsible enough to handle his business and not with someone who doesn't think it's wrong to ignore bills and spend money like it grows on trees.

I hope you can get a grip on your finances someday.

Goodbye,

Roz

Differences in Hopes and Dreams

It's possible to care for someone deeply and still find yourselves heading down different paths in life. Break up with a letter that states the truth but still shows you respect and care about your soon-to-be former partner.

Dear Mark,

We have to be realistic when we look at our potential future together. After we had talked about our plans for the future, it became obvious to me, and probably to you too, that our futures just don't align. We want different things, and this is just too much to ignore.

It's best we part now and learn to live without each other instead of going on together knowing it will someday end. I hate that it has to be this way, but I can't disregard my hopes and dreams for the future. I also know you would not be happy if you gave up your dreams for me either.

Even though it hurts right now, this is what's best for the both of us. I'll always love you.

Laura

Dear Shari,

You are an amazing person. I have always been able to envision a future with you, and I know we could have been happy together if circumstances were different. When we talk about a long-term relationship and maybe marrying someday and raising children, we inevitably begin discussing our spiritual beliefs, and it's obvious we're just too different.

I would never ask you to resign your beliefs, just as I know you would never ask me to give up mine. For this reason, we can't realistically have a future together.

It's better we end it now. I will always remember you as a wonderful person, and I'll always have a special place for you in my heart.

Please remember me fondly.

Griffin

Career Changes

If you feel like you're playing second fiddle to your partner's career and you've had enough, it's time to get out of the relationship. Depending on the circumstances, one of these letters should serve as an example of how to set yourself free.

Dear Kevin,

I am so proud of the things you've accomplished with your career. You've worked so hard to get where you are, and I've always admired how you pursue your dreams.

Your promotion was no surprise because you certainly deserve to get promoted. Your relocation, however, came as a bit of a shock to me. You and I never discussed maintaining a relationship long-distance, and it's not something I feel able to do.

It's best we say goodbye to each other so you can be free to pursue your career. I know you'll go far, and I hope you will always remember me as one of your biggest cheerleaders.

Love always,

Shelly

Dear Keri,

I can no longer accept being second-best behind your career. I understand you love your job, but I guess I just always hoped you loved me more.

I'm letting you go so you're free to work to your heart's content. It's not what I wanted, but it's what best for the both of us. I hope one day you are able to take a step back and realize your work may be costing you relationships with people who truly loved you.

Goodbye,

Alan

It's Not All About the Letter

Emotional Letter

Your sad relationship letter to your boyfriend or girlfriend will help you end the relationship with your partner, but delivering it won't be all you will need to do. If your soon-to-be-ex does not know the two of you are about to break up, you may have to do some consoling, and explain yourself further. Of course, it would be easier just to hand over a note and say goodbye, but that is not a responsible or sensitive way to break up with someone in most cases. Remember you did once care for this person, and it's only fair to try to provide some closure.

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18 Free Breakup Letter Examples