When you need this

A relationship has ended, and people are going to ask. A coworker notices you're quiet, your mom calls, a friend wants to know why your partner isn't at the party. You need lines that are honest, short, and yours to control. You decide how much to share.

The key verb is "break up." "We broke up" is neutral: it ended, and you're not saying who decided. "She broke up with me" says the other person ended it. "It was mutual" means you both agreed. Very casual speakers say "He dumped me," which sounds hurt and a bit dramatic, so save it for close friends. After the breakup comes "get over": "I'm still getting over him" means you're slowly recovering.

You'll also need a few lines for what heartbreak feels like from the inside: "Everything reminds me of her," "I'm a bit of a mess right now." They're not weak sentences. They tell people to be gentle with you, and most will be.

Phrases

the relationship ended; neutral about who decided

the other person ended it

you both agreed to end it

deeply sad after losing love

the breakup was a surprise

you're slowly recovering

songs, places and small things bring back the pain

you're not handling it well yet

you're not ready to talk, date or decide yet

you broke up but stayed on good terms

you're sad about the relationship, not only the person

you're recovering well

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say what happened. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.