How do you go about breaking off a relationships to be least harmful to your partner.

I think that every relationship is different. You have been with that person for a while and you understand how they will react in certain circumstances. Choose the best decision that will let the other person understand the breakup. That way they can try to move on as quickly as possible.

I personally would say be upfront with them, there is no point in lying to them about your emotions. This way they can begin to accept what has happened and move on.

In most situations, no matter what you do, it's going to hurt. The best thing you can probably do is to be honest with them about the situation, as well as being honest with yourself about it. If you can, I would suggest doing it face to face in a neutral, public place. They could react in a million different ways, but try and hold your ground and be as honest as you can with them.

Do it in a respectable manner. Make sure you are mature and polite about it. Leave no strings hanging and assure that everything is said before you both go your separate ways.

Relations are all about understanding each other, and I personally think one should end that way too. Just be open to your partner and try to understand your partner's feelings about it too. Such situations can be hard but being understanding and polite is the best way to do it.

If i ever need to break off a relationship, I do so with utmost respect and pure honesty. I do not leave anything out and I am as detailed as possible to give the proper closure the other person needs. I answer any questions they may have to clear things up to make sure they understand why.

Prepare them, be honest with them without being mean/hurtful, be open about your reasons for leaving and give them time to process.

Avoid doing it through an argument. Take your time to think about why you feel like you need to break off the relationship, and when you feel clear yourself meet your partner face to face rather than doing anything over text or phone. If you have a long distance relationship, take it over phone or skype rather than messages. Sit down and talk together as calm as you can and do your best to explain what you are feeling and why the relationship no longer works for you, try to also give him/her space to tell you how he/she feels. Take your time and show this person that you respect and appreciate them although the relationship doesn't work.

Be completely honest with them. The worst thing you could do would be ignoring them or otherwise "slowing down" the relationship. Think of it like a bandage; if you were to slowly pull it off, it COULD hurt less, but it would be drawn out and over time hurt more. If you just 'rip the bandage off', they will be hurt, but not for as long. Afterward, cut off all contact for a month or so. This will help them learn that life goes on without you, and for you to realize that life goes on without them, too. It also minimizes guilt if you aren't always stalking them and watching sad status updates be posted to their social media, for example. I tried this method with an (ex) boyfriend of mine. A month later he actually texted me and THANKED me for not breaking his heart! Good luck. :)

What you must never do - is to leave them without saying a word. It is the most cruel thing ever and that will leave them "hanging in the air" not understanding what happened, not being sure if it's over or not at the same time hoping you can still be together. Tell them the honest reason but try to word it in a mild way. If you just blurt out "i don't love you anymore!" it will hurt a lot. You can say something like "You are a great person and you made me happy and i'm sorry but i think it is for the best that we are not a couple anymore" or something similar.