Tip one: Do it like a Band-Aid. You don't want them thinking they are meeting you for a fun date, or getting together for a nice activity, etc. It is best to just get it over with. If you drag it out, you are wasting their time and your own. Don't be callous, but don't drag it out either. Just let them know you want to break up, and give them the reason why. You do not have to justify your feelings, but it is nice for the person being dumped to know the reason, as it can help them to find some closure.

Tip two: Do it in person. No one appreciates being dumped, but it is worse if you do it over the phone or via text message. That is just rude. Instead, go to their house, their work, etc. Go where they are, do not ask them to come to you. This way, you are not putting them out any while giving their ego a blow. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be for them to drive over to see you just for you to dump them, and make them drive home again. Instead, pop in and let them know. Try to do it when they will have some time to themselves after to adjust to the idea. For example, if you are going to go to their work to tell them, do it at the beginning, not the end of their lunch break.

Tip three: Give them space. Even if you want to be friends with the person after, no one can go from love to friends right away if it wasn't their idea. It will be difficult and painful for them if they liked you, and is inconsiderate of you to try and force them be around you without feeling more than friendship for you. So, give them time to adjust to the idea that you weren't a good match, and then a few months later you can attempt to be friends. Space and time are important. If you break up with someone, and then start calling them and hanging out with them again shortly after, it sends mixed messages.