Dear Prudence,
How do you break up with a perfectly good guy? In the past, I’ve only had to break up with guys once I finally realized they were jerks. I’ve been in a relationship with a guy for about four months now. We met at a party and saw each other out a few times before he asked me out. I was hesitant because he seemed fun, but there was just something I couldn’t put my finger on about him that I knew was going to be a problem. As it turns out, he’s just too boring. When we’re out and doing things, he’s fun and energetic, but now that we’ve been staying in due to the pandemic, I’ve finally realized I don’t like being around him on a regular basis. He is, however, the sweetest most thoughtful guy I have ever dated. He has gone out of his way to be understanding and supportive about some personal issues I was having last year.
When I’ve broken up with other guys, it’s been easier because I could point to a laundry list of jerky things they could do, but I don’t have a single one with him—he’s just too boring. On top of that, I know he thinks the relationship is great and the best relationship he has ever had. Do you have any advice on how to let him down easily?
— Letting Him Down Gently