Dear Miss Emily:

Okay, so I want to breakup with my boyfriend, but he is absolutely perfect. My grades have been dropping, and I don't find him as much of a catch as I initially thought him to be. What used to be cute weirdness is now just plain weird. help me please. I don't know how to do this.

-----------------------------Miss Emily's advice-----------------------

Well, he's not perfect for you, and that's the issue! There's no easy way to break up with someone. The act is hurtful if both parties don't agree with it. But do it in person, not through text, or e-mail. That's cowardly, and it's a good lesson to learn to stand behind what you believe, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Simply tell him you don't feel as committed to him, and your grades are suffering, as well. If he goes through the dance of  "I can fix the problem", or "Don't you love me anymore?" reply that you thought long and hard about it, and this is best for you and where you are at this point in your life. Offer friendship (if you feel that way), but let him know you understand if he can't go there. And be firm. You have every right to do what you feel is best for you. Matters of the heart are often painful, but that does not mean you keep the status quo to avoid facing the reality of it.