To end a romance, just press ‘SEND’
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February 2, 2010 • written by Ashley Fowler
Filed under Opinions
“I know! Can you believe it? (sob) He broke up with me in a t-t-text message! (sob, sob, sob…)”
“Email! He sent me an email to say he wants to see other people! And I thought he loved me!”
“Man, she deleted me from her friends list on Facebook and she has not replied to my text messages for days. I guess this is her way of saying good-bye.”
Seriously, break-ups are no fun. In fact, they can be downright, well, heartbreaking. But isn’t there a way to do it that shows some respect for the other person and the time you spent together?
“The news of a breakup should never be broken over a text or email,” therapist Alison Arnold said. “Texting a breakup is the coward’s way out.”
Nevertheless, teens and even adults continue to rely on technology to break the bad news.
In a way, with technology slowly taking over the world, it makes sense for people to turn to e-mails, text messages, and websites such as Facebook and MySpace in search of aid when ending difficult breakups. Many people would rather send someone a text message with the bad news instead of breaking the news in person, because it is more convenient and less awkward.
Who wants to deal with the tears, the disbelief, and the possible violence? Or, even worse, how does one handle the begging and pleading?
“I have never broken up with someone face-to-face,” sophomore Rachel LaBarre said. “I would rather send them a text message. When you break up with boys in their face, it makes them more likely to ask questions and try to work things out.”
While this may be true, what about the other person’s feelings?
Nowadays with this harsh break up tactic, the person getting dumped is left harboring open wounds and unanswered questions.
Therefore, Arnold believes that face-to-face or phone contact is a must because it is important to give the person with whom you are ending the relationship the chance to ask questions.
However, many people are not fans of being asked 21 questions when they are trying to leave someone. Luckily this can be avoided if a person gets straight to the point and avoids beating around the bush when breaking the news.
“Be as direct and honest as you can,” Arnold said. “Do not engage in tit-for-tat arguments. Stick to the facts: ‘It is not working, it’s no one’s fault, we just need to make a change.’ ”
Now, along with deciding what to wear to school and what parties to attend, teens also have to decide what time is the right time to use technology. Although it seems cool and convenient, teens should refrain from airing dirty laundry on the Internet or text messages.
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