Scientists reveals the 9 most common ways people use to end relationships and some might surprise you

There are loads of different ways to end a relationship but a scientists has highlighted some of the most common strategies people use.

Most people will have at least a handful of meaningful romantic relationships throughout their life but as many can atest, that doesn’t always mean forever.

New research has indicated if a person is to breakup with someone else, they are likely to choose from one of 9 different methods. These 9 methods can also be sub categorized into one of three different groups as well.

A team, from the University of Nicosia, conducted two studies involving more than 600 people and decided to get some data before coming to these conclusions. The study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.

A study has categorized the different ways people break up with their partner (Getty Stock Image)

Study author Professor Menelaos Apostolou spoke to PsyPost and said: “Most people will experience the end of an intimate relationship - usually several times - with either themselves or their partners initiating it.

“Because this phenomenon is relatively common and painful, I was motivated to ask how people actually do so, which the current research aimed to address.”

The participants were asked how likely they were to use 45 different breakup methods if they were in an unhappy relationship. These 45 different methods were simplified into 9 different strategies.

The 9 strategies are described as follows:

• ‘cold and distant’ (gradually pulling away),
• ‘explain the reasons’ (offering a direct and honest conversation),
• ‘ghosting’ (disappearing with no notice),
• ‘take the blame’ (ending the relationship while accepting responsibility)
• ‘have been unfaithful’ (citing infidelity or interest in someone else).
• ‘take some time off’ (requesting a break),
• ‘see you as a friend’ (offering friendship),
• ‘we’d be better off apart’ (explaining that separation is best),
• ‘avoid ending it face to face’ (using a phone call or text).

If you think back to your own relationships, chances are you have come across or even used one of these strategies.

Each of the 9 reportedly can fit into three broader groups, according to the study.

Soften the blow approach

Analysis of the participants answered showed that this group was the most popular of the three. 86 percent of people asked said they would use this method.

This method would likely include acts that explain the reasoning for the break up, taking some or all of the blame for the break up, and trying to convince the partner that separating would ultimately be beneficial for both people.

You would think most people would want to avoid situations like this...(Getty Stock Image)

The 'take a break' approach

This method is commonly seen in pop culture through films and TV, but is certainly seen in the real world as well. 24 percent of people in the study said they would use this approach.

The person initiating the break up would likely suggest a temporary separation, allowing for both parties to consider the future of the relationship.

In some cases, allowing them to reassess their options and emotions while still having a tie back to their original partner.

The ones who avoid confrontation

Surprisingly, this proved to be the less common approach (or at least the approach people SAID they wouldn’t use). Roughly 16 percent of people said they would apply this strategy.

In this scenario, the person breaking up becomes distant or unresponsive until the relationship quietly fades away.

Speaking on the results, Apostolou added that an analysis of people’s personality traits could be useful in determining their likely hood of choosing a certain strategy choice.