There’s no getting around it: Breakups suck, whether you’re the one who initiates it or not.
And when you know a relationship is over, it can be tough to try to figure out how to end things. Do you keep it short and sweet? Have a heart-to-heart talk? Consider ghosting?
While breaking up with someone is never going to be easy, some tactics might feel better than others. Luckily, the universe has some insight into the best breakup style for you, based on your astrological sign. We consulted Donna Page, a professional astrologer with a graduate degree in counseling psychology, for a breakdown on the best breakup style for each sign.
ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19)
You know when it’s over, Aries, and you’ll be tempted to just cut someone off after a big fight. While it’s your natural inclination to just jump in, do it, and be done with the whole thing, take a beat (and a breather) and wait a day or two until you pull the plug to make sure this is what you really want to do. Yup? Then go ahead and have The Talk.
TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20)
You don’t like to rush into things, and that’s totally okay. Instead, you want to take your time to figure out if this breakup is what you really want. Once you’ve made up your mind and told your former S.O. that it’s not working, you’re down with a little breakup sex to seal the deal (just make sure you’re both on the same page first).
GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20)
It’s no surprise that the sign of the twins has a few options in the breakup department. You could do the standard sit-down talk or, if you feel like things are going to be even worse if you meet in person, it’s okay to call. You’ll feel better when you can communicate what you’ve been thinking and feeling. But once you do, that’s it for you.
CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22)
You have a tendency to hold on, even when things aren’t working. And when you finally decide you’re ready to let go of a relationship, it can be a painful experience. It’s important to you to let your soon-to-be ex know that you feel like you did everything you could, but just didn’t get what you needed back. Take your time and consider initiating the breakup over dinner or in another situation where you’re less likely to cry.
LEO (JULY 23–AUGUST 22)
You know when you feel slighted in a relationship, Leo, and you want to make sure the other person knows it, too. That’s why a heart-to-heart talk about why things aren’t working any more is best for you. It doesn’t need to be all about you listing your grievances. Instead, talk about why things went south and give encouragement to your now-ex that a better fit for them is just around the corner. Then, acknowledge what you had and move on.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22)
Sure, relationships are ruled by emotion, but when it comes to breaking up, you’re totally analytical about the process. After all, if you want one thing and your partner wants something totally different, it just doesn’t make sense to be together. Sit down together and acknowledge that you worked hard but things aren’t working and you don’t fit into each other’s lives anymore. You’ll feel better after laying out your reasoning.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22)
You want to be a nice person, Libra, and you are, but trying to be super nice during a breakup can make things confusing for your S.O. Instead of trying to go about things the nice way, explain to your partner that things aren’t working and that it’s time to move on. Do it gently, but be clear about what you want. Acknowledge that you’re not a good fit—but someone else will be.
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21)
If you feel like you were wronged, you’ll be tempted to get revenge. Yeah, don’t. Instead of going that route or listing off all of the things you hated about your relationship, have a conversation with your partner about what you shared together and why it’s not working. Then, talk until you feel that the air is cleared. And, if breakup sex is on the table, you probably won’t say no.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21)
Breakups aren’t your thing, Sag, and you’ll be tempted to want to run out the door or even move so that you won’t have to deal with it. Clearly that can come back to bite you, so take a beat and actually talk things out. Without laying blame, tell your S.O. that the current situation isn’t enough. Acknowledge that you want something more and know that it’s okay. Then, you can leave.
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19)
You want to know that you’ll have no regrets if you pull the plug on your relationship, Capricorn, and that’s 100 percent okay. Take your time to reach a decision and, if you decide things are over, break it off in a business-like way. Meet for coffee or lunch and explain why things aren’t working. Keeping it above-brow and unemotional should help prevent things from getting overwhelming or messy.
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18)
As long as things didn’t go horribly wrong, you like to stay friends with your exes. Just make sure your S.O. understands what “friends” actually means. Also, it’s important to be honest with yourself and them that you’re no longer in this. Make it clear that it’s not about them, but you’re ready to move on—romantically at least.
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20)
It’s going to take you some time to figure out if you actually want to break up but when you’re ready to be done, you’re ready. Sit down and have a conversation in a comfortable, soothing place like your living room couch about how you’re feeling. It’s crucial that you feel like you’re able to get your feelings out, so don’t be afraid to open up. And, if you’re not 100 percent sure why you know it’s over, it’s fine to admit that too.
