1. Questioning
To break up, or not to break? That is the question. Before the rise of social networks, this might just be some good old anxiety about your relationship, but now it's a lot more complicated. Turns out, sites like Facebook can actually cause a lot of this uncertainty. This stage is usually when someone decides they're going to end the relationship.
When you used to write them letters...
...But then you get a snapchat.
2. Losing Contact
This is probably the most obvious termination phase and the most painful to your ego. Pre-texting, ghosting someone was probably super hard to do (unless you're Barb from Stranger Things) and it was unavoidable to actually talk about it if it was happening. Now, you can just ignore a text or lie about being busy (Netflix without the chill). This can add more anxiety to the relationship if you're the one who is being avoided, surprisingly this means you're more likely to post about the relationship on social media. If your partner doesn't seem as infatuated with you as usual, think twice about posting that cute couple selfies.
3. Inviting Commentary
If you're in a relationship that's coming to an end, you're probably going to seek advice from someone whether it be family or friends. Openly discussing the relationship can be helpful in figuring out whether ending it is a good idea, but it's also fuel to the gossip fire. Though it used to be a note that somehow got passed around to your homeroom, now it's the dreaded screenshot. Don't forget, people always save those receipts!
4. Breaking it off
And we've finally reached the dreaded phase of actually telling a significant other that it's over. RIP love, it was fun while it lasted. Once again, the development of technology has added some fun and hurtful options for how to navigate this phase. Face to face is emotional, but also honest and respectful and used to be the only option. Clearly, this has changed. I've had friends dumped via text, Facebook message, and yes, even Snapchat (savage). In addition to using tech to do the breaking up, people often take to networking sites to share their sorrow, or bash an ex (if you're into that). As Drake wisely said, "trigger fingers turn to Twitter fingers."
Had a long conversation with my ex today
5. Saving Face
After a relationship ends, you're likely to get tons of questions, especially if you've been public about it on Facebook. This can lead to some slight bending of the truth and manipulating fact to create a history or timeline of the relationship. There's no shame in this, we probably never tell the whole truth, especially if we're the one being broken up with. You might want to monitor your social media usage during this time, as frequently checking up on an ex can prevent you from moving on.
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