| Strategy | Tactics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Positiv | Fairness Compromise Fatalism | “It’s not right to go on pretending I’m in love with you.” “We can still see each other occasionally.” “We both know this relationship won’t work out anyway.” |
| Deescalation | Promise of friendship Implied possible reconciliation Blaming the relationship Appeal to independence | “We can still be friends.” “Perhaps time apart will rekindle our feelings for each other.” “We have to work too hard on this relationship.” “We don’t need to be tied down right now.” |
| Withdrawal or avoidance | Avoid contact with the person as much as possible | “I don’t think I’ll be able to see you this weekend.” |
| Justification | Emphasize positive consequences of disengaging Emphasize negative consequences of not disengaging | “We should see other people since we’ve changed so much.” “We’ll miss too many opportunities if we don’t see other people.” |
| Negative identity management | Emphasize enjoyment of life Nonnegotiation | “Life is too short to spend with just one person right now.” “I need to see other peopl |