If you know that your girlfriend is wrong for you, then it is time to end the relationship. That can sound easy at first, but can be very difficult to execute, especially if you are afraid of breaking her heart. However, the worst thing that you can possibly do is drag on a relationship if you are unhappy. Learn how to break up with someone with decency, tact, maturity and caring.

Explain your reason for wanting to break up with clarity. Breaking up with a girlfriend with vague and convoluted reasoning can just leave her upset, paranoid and more confused. Before breaking up with her, take a long hard look at your thought process and examine your true reasons. Make sure your decision is truly how you feel. Whether you feel you are taking different paths in life or fight too much, be honest and open with her about your reason to terminate the relationship for good.

Firmly close the door on the relationship. One mistake people often make when breaking up is leaving hope that the relationship might have a future again someday, even when it doesn't. Avoid giving your girlfriend false hope about the future if you intend on breaking up permanently. This will only lead to hurt feelings and more heartache for her in the end.

Avoid breaking up on the phone. Break up with your girlfriend face-to-face, in person. Breaking up through a phone call can come across as heartless, impersonal and just plain rude. Make the effort and take the time to do so in person. This will show her that you value your former relationship enough to speak to her in person.

End the relationship as soon as you realize it is over. As soon as you determine that the relationship has no future and is going nowhere, break up with your girlfriend. Remaining in a relationship you want to flee is unhealthy and can leave you with feelings of resentment and suffocation. Stringing your girlfriend along is also selfish. Avoid wasting your time and hers. Break up with her as soon as you come to your realization.

Break up with your girlfriend privately. Breakups can be very emotional situations. Provide your girlfriend with the dignity of a quiet and private location when you break up with her, whether it is at your house or in a quiet nook of a park. Avoid taking her to a romantic spot (such as a favorite restaurant), however, as that could mislead her into thinking that everything is fine between the two of you.