Ending a long-distance relationship can be painful for both partners. Whether you no longer feel in love or the difficulties of being together are tearing you apart, there are ways to end your relationship on good terms. Though nothing can take away your partner's pain, you can tailor your behavior to create the best outcome possible.

Though ending a relationship in person is often suggested, it may not be possible for a long-distance couple. If you and your partner live a few hours away from one another, it may still be possible to end things face-to-face. If you cannot arrange a meeting in person, breaking up by phone call or video chat is acceptable, according to WebMD.com's article "How to Break Up Gracefully." Do not end the relationship by text message, email or voice message.

When you make the call, be honest without being cruel, suggests the Emily Post Institute in the article "Breaking Up." Explaining that the distance is too much or that you have incompatible goals for the future is acceptable. Keep the phone call brief and expect a wide range of emotions from your partner. Practicing ahead of time can also ensure that you keep calm and poised when you make the phone call -- and that you do not say anything you may later regret.

Trying to be friends with your partner immediately after the breakup can also be hurtful for both parties, according to WebMD's aforementioned article. Avoiding your partner and breaking up by silence are also poor choices -- your partner deserves to hear that the relationship is over. While you may not want to hurt your partner, discussing unrelated matters first to soften the breakup should be avoided, according to the Emily Post Institute. Getting straight to the point can end your partner's dread.

Be honest when discussing the future with your partner. Saying "maybe we can get back together later on" or "we can still be friends" can give your partner false hope for the future. Taking time to reflect after the breakup can help you evaluate why your relationship has ended, and whether or not it may be a good idea to revisit a friendship or relationship with that person again in the future.