When writing fictional characters, a basic rule is females say it, males show it.
In the real world this reveals itself most dramatically when men and woman date, then stop. He’ll often just vanish without saying why, while she’ll perhaps deliver “it’s not you, it’s me” (also not stating why).
A dumper may cite avoiding arguments, protecting feelings, or rules of the game, as to what motivated his/her closing chapter. Dumpees might use a word similar to cite.
Reality is – the route to love is filled with potholes. But if you make it a road less travelled because of those bumps, the only romance you’ll ever find will be in works of fiction.
Read more of James McConachie's Trace Elements.
