Hotline Fling – Breaking up over text

There’s no easy way to end a relationship, but breaking up over text is definitely the wrong way to go about it. A study has revealed a rise in text breakups, the most common method of heartbreak and the top 10 most popular phrases used during a break up.

Millions of Brits have been dumped by text, a study has found. A poll of 2,000 unlucky-in-love adults found more than one in five has seen their relationship come to an end following a quick message and one in eight has been ghosted – where a relationship is ended with no explanation and sudden withdrawal from all communications. It’s not uncommon and has even happened to celebrities including: Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston and Katy Perry.

Why is this breaking up over text becoming more popular, when it’s widely recognised as the wrong thing to do? Two-fifths of those polled reckon a relationship ends this way due to fears of how the person on the receiving end might react. Additionally, just under half said it’s simply easier to end a relationship over text. It also emerged the average person has experienced six failed romances – where two have ended through a short but not so sweet text – once as a ‘dumper’ and another as a ‘dumpee’.

However, 13 per cent would actually prefer to be dumped by text, avoiding the awkward break-up phone calls or the humiliation of being told ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ in a coffee shop or restaurant. Another two thirds would rather have a relationship ended by text, then be ghosted and hear nothing at all.

It also emerged more than half of adults have felt guilty about breaking up with someone, with nearly a quarter using the classic break-up line of “We need to talk”, while 17 per cent have endured the typical “It’s not you, it’s me.”Other common lines to finish with someone include “I just need some time for me”, “I need space” or “we’re looking for different things.”

Top 10 break-up lines people have used or have been used on them:

1. We need to talk
2. It’s not you, it’s me
3. We’re looking for different things
4. I don’t think I’m the right person for you
5. I’ve been thinking….

6. I need space
7. I’m not ready for a serious relationship
8. I just need some time for me
9. There’s someone else
10. I don’t know how to tell you this but….

But despite more than half saying breaking up over text is more commo. a stone quarter have ended a romantic entanglement over the phone. However, the study also found that it’s not considered appropriate to break up over text if you have been on more than three dates. And while it has been revealed that three quarters of Brits agreed face-to-face is the best way to let down a new love interest,(meaning that in person is still the most popular method of break-up, it appears chivalry isn’t dead after all!)13 per cent said it can all depend on the circumstances.

Younger people are more likely to turn to their phone though with two thirds of under 25-year olds ending a relationship by text, compared with just one in 10 over 55s.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found it takes 10 weeks to get over a relationship. It appears the best way to do this is night out with your guy or gal pals. More than a third said this is the ideal way to move on from ghosts of relationships past, with 16 per cent advising to delete your ex on social media.