Imagine you’re cuddled up on the sofa with your live-in bae, watching your fave show, when it hits you like a ton of bricks – you’re drifting apart and it’s time to split. 

Not ideal, but it happens all the time…In fact, around 40% of couples who live together split up within the first 5 years.

So, how do you gracefully put an end to a relationship when you’re sharing a living space? 

I’ll walk you through the steps so we can make this process as smooth as possible. 

Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Have the conversation 

Choose the right time and place where you both feel calm and free to chat. Don’t do it in the middle of a rush or when one of you has other commitments.

Start with a bit of empathy and show that you understand that this is a tough conversation for both of you.

Now, honesty is key! Be truthful and direct about your feelings and reasons for wanting to end the relationship. Avoid the temptation to blame your partner or make them feel guilty.

Allow your partner to express their emotions and concerns. Listen actively and try to understand their point of view. 

Be ready for different reactions; you never know if they’ll be angry, sad, or in total denial. So, stay calm and respectful. 

It’s a tough conversation but being empathetic and honest will make it easier for both of you! 

Decide who will move out

If you’re renting, deciding who moves out is a must. And if one of you owns the place, they may have priority.

Remember to be upfront and respectful of each other’s rights and needs to make it easier. Whatever you decide, write it down. And if you can’t agree, legal help might be required.

Make a list of shared assets

So, before you go dividing up your stuff, it’s important to make a list of everything you own as a team – the couch, TV, even the pets (yikes!).

Once you’ve got the list squared away, you can start figuring out who deserves what. 

Be willing to compromise

Look, let’s be real here. Dividing assets can be tough. You don’t always come out with everything you want. 

But, finding a solution that works for both of you is a great start! After all, who wants to be in a fight with someone they used to love? Keep it civil and try to see things from each other’s perspective.

Look after yourself during the aftermath

Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Trust me; it’ll help you feel better emotionally too. 

Reach out to your support system and let them know what you’re going through. It’s always good to have someone to talk to, and they’ll offer emotional support that can distract you from your thoughts.

It’s alright to feel sad and mourn the end of your relationship. Give yourself time to process your feelings, and don’t rush the healing process.

You can start afresh by removing any reminders of your ex, including photos, gifts, and other sentimental items. 

That will help you move on and focus on the present moment, taking things one day at a time.

Remember that healing takes time, okay? Don’t expect to feel better overnight, but with time, you’ll start to feel better and move on from your breakup.

So, take care of yourself, and everything will fall into place eventually!