Even the sweetest and gentlest among us will have to break a heart at some point in our lives. And what you realize when you decide to end a relationship is priceless – it's almost as hard to break up with someone as it is to be broken up with.

So how can you make the end of a relationship an amicable parting instead of a disastrous finale? Break up with someone the way you would want to be broken up with:

Do it in person, no matter what! Be direct about your reasons, even if it's painful. People always know when they are being lied to or patronized – "it's not you, it's me" – and your honesty will help bring closure.

Don't abuse your position of power by being mean or careless about how you end it. In fact, even if you're breaking up with someone for a good reason, don't be vengeful. Revealing confidences or embarrassing details about your ex is only going to make you feel worse later on. Plus, it keeps him in your life – in an artificial way – by creating more conflict and drama.

Allow for an emotional, even an angry reaction, to what you are doing, without trying to defend yourself.

Remember, when someone says they no longer want to see you, it is the ultimate rejection. You feel unloved, unattractive, and maybe even unsure that you will ever find someone again. However, by acting empathetically and maturely, you can help lessen the sting.