How can I break up with my boyfriend without hurting him?

Just be truthful its better than leading him on.

you can't break up with him without breaking his heart so if you are going to do it, then go ahead.

say this part of what you said to us... I adore him as a person but I can't be with him in that way. I don't see a future with him I don't want to hurt him by breaking up with him. I just don't want to break his heart but I need to move on. :[

awh poor kid, well..have you thought of this alot? you should cuz if you make a mistake and want him back its a no no.. tell him the truth, don't ever lie about why you want to break up to make it easier because its all gonna come back ! tell him what you told us now..

Tell him you want to take a break and just gradually take it down to friendship level. Don't lead him on... so limit the visits and phone calls, and stop the sex if there's any.

You can't break up with someone without hurting them. Although for safety's sake you can meet them in a public place, a resturant for example, where they are less likely to do something drastic. Be sure to come in seperate cars.

Having been the on your boyfriend's side more times than I care to count, I feel for him. Still, your comments here are very revealing about you. You are mature and reasonable. College is to learn via the classroom and the campus experience. I guess as an expert at being dumped I would ask that you not use the phrase: "You are a nice guy, but ...." I encourage you to point out that college is going to be an academic and social challenge. I want to end our relationship because I think college is where my heart and mind has to be. Also, that you want to end the time together with each other on a friendly basis. Lastly, I think you need to make this the permanent end so that you can start your adult life at school and he can have the option of freedom to build new relationships. I do not think you can have a gradual break up. It is feels like it needs to full and final. For the good of both of you. You are each going a different direction. Be respectful but firm. That is the case you bring to us to answer and I offer this reply to a difficult problem. My best wishes for you and the boy.

This is a Hard one! Breaking up is NEVER easy for anyone... I think you just have to be Honest (but not TOO honest)... I would lean towards the whole I'm going to college, I cant be in a serious relationship right now, its not you its me thing.... NOT telling him that you don't see a future with him. THat might make him feel really bad about himself and hard on his self esteem. Also.... once you DO break it off, you should distance yourself from him. Don't talk to him or see him all the time (that's what he will try and do, you know!) The more time he spends with you the harder it will be for you. (I learned that the hard way!!) I think you are doing the right thing! Good Luck!! =)

Just remember the thing that hurts guys more then "the breaking up" part is giving them false hope by being to nice about. What you need to do is be direct and to the point. A guy needs that or he will think maybe you didn't want to or you still love him. There is no easy way to do this. I recommend taking him to a public place to do it. This may seem harsh but he will be less inclined to cry and make a scene. Secondly, do it swiftly and don't try to sugar coat it, as this will make you appear as if you're not sure if you want to break up. I know its easier said than done, but the longer it goes on for, the more it will hurt. Don't be tempted to return his calls or messages as this may give him false hope, but do be willing to discuss it in a few weeks time if he feels he needs answers. But make it perfectly clear this does not mean you can resolve things and get back together. Breakups are never pretty. REMEMBER a clean cut is less painful then a torn one. and thats the only help i can give to you. when i left my ex, i did it at his house and he was sobbing and begging me to stay... so i really recommend doing it in public..