Breakup

termination of a romantic relationship

The word "breakup" is an idiom. It is when an intimate relationship ends. The term is not used for relationships that end because of death. Marriages that end are not normally called breakups.

Reasons

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A breakup can happen when one person is unhappy in their relationship. If a person ends a relationship, that person "dumps" their partner.[1]

Some relationships end because both people are unhappy. The breakup is then "mutual".

People in a relationship may be unhappy because of differences in:[2]

Other common reasons for breakups include:

  • infidelity
  • distance
  • loss of interest
  • abuse

After a breakup, people may feel grief or unhappiness. Their personality or "sense of social value" may change.[3]

People may need "time to heal" after a breakup. This time can depend on the length of the relationship.

Statistics

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eNation did a survey on breakups in 2008. Almost one in three Americans were in a breakup within the last ten years. Young people were more likely to have been in more than one breakup.[4]

References

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  1. "Dumping". The Online Slang Dictionary. Archived from the original on 2018-10-05. Retrieved 2012-05-28.
  2. Hill, Charles T.; Rubin Zick; Peplau Letita Anne (1976). "Breakups Before Marriage: The End of 103 Affairs". Journal of Social Issues. 32: 147–168. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4560.1976.tb02485.x. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  3. Steve Duck et al, The Basics of Communication (2011) p. 151 Table 6.2
  4. Fetto, John (2003) – Love Stinks: Statistics on Failed Relationships. BNet: Business Network Retrieved January 25, 2008.