8 Ways to On How to End a Relationship the Millennial Style

The world of dating has and continues to evolve over time. It’s safe to say that today, the dating scene is completely different from that of even 20 years ago. Marriage and kids were once the traditional routes for the majority when it came to dating and love. However, things have now changed as the current generation continues to define their love life on their own terms. Now more than ever, millennials are taking an alternative route when it comes to love and relationships.

There is a decreased need for most in their twenties and thirties to have a relationship or to marry their partners. Many are content with being in long-term relationships without wedding rings or bells, and no one is complaining. Along with this, when it comes to ending relationships, millennials really don't have the greatest track record for breakups.

In fact, according to surveys, millennials actually avoid face-to-face interaction when wanting to end a relationship with their partners. Studies have shown both male and female millennials prefer to end things without communicating this to their partners in person. Although they believe breaking up in person is the right way to end things, they still opt for the exact opposite doing so by way of digital communications. 

Millennials are those who were born between the years 1981 and 1996, or those who arrived at adulthood upon the arrival of the 21st century. They are also adept users of technology as they were around when tech really began to take off. In regards to culture, millennials can be considered as those who “go their own way.” Religion is not something that tickles their fancy as they don’t support the idea of religious institutions. They do however stand for equality among gender, race, religion and sexual orientation.

When it comes to love and relationships, millennials are a different breed.  They don’t believe in the traditional way of love but instead, do what works for them. While most dream of a picket white fence, an amazing wedding, and adorable little ones, they don’t feel the need for any of this. They are happy simply being with someone who makes them well and happy. Whether that is a full blown relationship or simply dating, millennials don’t feel they need to rush anything. Instead, they define their relationships in a way that suits them and their lifestyles.

While signs that relationships are ending are on some level universal, these are the way millennials in particular approach ending relationships with their significant others. 

Although this can be applied to a vast majority of relationships, if you’re dating a millennial then it makes even more sense. The number of texts that would once make you smile throughout the day is no longer. Of course, this is a very harsh way to communicate with someone, but they simply are no longer interested in a relationship of any kind. Even if you are not Facebook (or Snapchat) official but have history, this unfortunately still applies.

 It’s never hard to spot especially if there was a pattern. Maybe there were routine breakfast meetups featuring your favorite bagels (everything bagel, obviously) or you guys traditionally met up for lunch twice a week, now things have changed. Millennials tend to be the headstrong types, very sure of what they want or what they don’t. So if you’re getting the sense that they are acting differently then you’re not wrong, it’s time to detach yourself.

We all know when we are with someone we love to experience fun things and make memories together, yes millennials included. Everything from concerts, restaurants and traveling this universally applies to a great number of couples out there.

If you’re dating a millennial and they no longer ask to see you each weekend, or no longer set “video chat dates” when they aren’t available unfortunately in their minds, the relationship has run its course.

Ghosting is a term coined for millennials when they, in short, go missing in action. Millennials are specifically known for either ghosting their relationships or being ghosted themselves. If you have been in communication with your date or someone you’re involved with who so happens to be a millennial, and they drop off the face of the earth….you have been ghosted.
 

Those categorized as millennials are well known to exercise this practice. This is not to say everyone who is considered a millennial is cold-hearted in this regard. This also isn’t to say those who are not labeled or considered as millennials, wouldn’t ghost you either. However, it is to say always be aware of this and take your time in relationships no matter the era someone is born.

So you have been dating a millennial and things were going as you’d hoped. Then you’re suddenly left hanging with no explanation as to why. Being left in limbo is one of the worst things anyone can experience. Whether you’re spending time with someone or you’re in a full-fledged relationship it’s never easy to deal when you have no idea where you stand.

What’s even worse is when they haven’t taken the time to let you know despite knowing how much you care. Maybe you have even inquired but they were vague or dismissive, this carelessness shows it’s time to walk away. They are letting you know they are more than ready to end things with you. 

You and your millennial partner have sent texts, snaps, and messages all day long through various social channels for an extended period of time. However, things have come to a screeching halt and you're not sure why. Naturally, you decide to reach out only to get ghosted. Maybe you received a response? But it was very cold, vague and careless. This is a sure sign they aren't into it and you should move on. 

Social media is a hub for all things millennial. Millennials arguably account for a vast majority of activity on social media. If you have been so close in your relationship that you follow one another on social media things are pretty serious. But when suddenly you no longer see them in your Snap contacts, in your FB messenger list, or on your Insta feed, there is definitely trouble in social paradise. Like many have done, your millennial partner has virtually ended things. 

Most of us love tagging and being tagged in memes and photos because well, it's awesome. Especially tagging our loved ones in sweet heartwarming posts can really help brighten their day and make them feel special. If you have always known your partner to tag you in romantic posts but they suddenly stop, it may be time to reevaluate things. Because chances are they have and they are not wanted to continue the relationship. 

Breakups as we know simply suck. They sting quite a bit especially when you have invested so many emotions, time and tons of effort into someone. Most generations are familiar with the typical signs and ways of being broken up with. While they are not comfortable they often provide us with some sense of closure at least. But what about millennials? I’m sure you could guess they do things a little bit differently. 

The term ghosting in recent years has become widely known among millennials. The mysterious term refers to the act of completely ceasing communication with someone without giving any reason why. This is seen as an advantage over the “old school” way of letting someone know why you would rather not see them anymore.

Some feel this is saving face for the person being ghosted, more than being honest and letting them know why. Of course, this is not the way anyone should be treated no matter the situation. Honesty is always the best policy, no matter what generation you come from.

This style of breaking up has increased in practice over the years by millennials. It’s important to note this is not something all millennials do, as some have experienced being ghosted themselves rather than doing the ghosting. These experiences have helped to shed light on the importance of honesty and respect. Some who have done ghosting but no longer do, have endured the harsh practice and could not believe they themselves had been so cruel to someone. By feeling these effects many millennials have shifted away from this mentality, increasing hopes that the art of ghosting has run its course.

We all come from a certain era but despite, all those points in time have one thing in common and that is the possibility of love. The reality of heartbreak is never easy but it doesn’t mean you should give up. Although millennials have their way of living, they are still people in the end. This means while some are okay to break hearts, other just want to find love. Isn’t that what we all want in the end anyway?