Modern day promises are tough to keep. Phrases like ‘selfless love’ and ‘sacrifice’ exist only in mills n boon novels. Which is not to say that we should give up on romance just because we don’t want to break up.

Why a break?
How does one know where a relationship is headed. It is tough to say. According to 22-year old anusha, a call center executive,”I am in a relationship, but the moment we don’t click, we will move on by mutual consent.”

While that’s certainly the best thing to do not everyone can be so logical. For one, people have their own individual reasons to call it a day. For instance, Ricky gilchrist, 28, a chartered accountant, felt that it was time to move on when he realized that his compatibility with his partner was on the wane.

Often, break-ups are the result of people’s over expectations from one another. Says marc Benson, an executive,”I don’t have time to commit to someone right now, and it seems the tone of our relationship is leading to something that’s more serious than I’m ready for.” But what if you are not the one looking for break-up? The resulting heartbreak can be devastating, the only solution is to watch out for telltale signs.

Danger signals
Obvious signs more often than not precede a break up. Pick them up while they are being dropped. Look out for the increasing arguments, irritability and quarrels. An aggressive ‘dumper’ would rather be blunt in making his/her discontent apparent. Since tolerance level decrease, one is more critical and increasingly impatient with the partner. A future together is talked of in a negative light.

The less aggressive ones exaggerate their own negative qualities in an effort to drive the unwanted partner away. Some even withdraw in to an impenetrable shell and seem preoccupied or not interested.

Take the hint. Also watch out for a decrease in frequency of calls, mobile messages, meetings or avoidance of topics like ‘our future together’. A sure shot hint is, of course, repeated mention of other women.

Picking up hints
The idea is to pick up these danger signals and prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Reduction in quality time spent together could be another obvious manifestation. Keep a look out for too many excuses.

When these hints become too evident, the best option is to talk to your partner. If talking does not help, give it a break and may be things will work out later. If not, be the one to walk out with dignity.