People Eslpod Etiquette Considered Romantic Received Return Related

As in all "social interactions" (relationships between people), there are many rules of "etiquette" (the types of behavior that are considered to be appropriate and polite) around "breakups" (the end of romantic relationships). It is generally considered bad etiquette to break up with someone using email or a text message. Breaking up over the phone might be "tolerable" (barely acceptable), but it is best to do it "in person" (face to face; in the same room) where other people cannot see or hear what is happening.

If one of the romantic partners has received expensive gifts from the other person, it might be appropriate to return those gifts. This is especially true if an "engagement ring" (a ring exchanged when two people promise to marry each other in the future) is involved. However, the other person might not want to receive the gift back. And in some cases, the "recipient" (the person who received the gift) might not want to return it, instead preferring to "hold onto it" (keep it) for "sentimental reasons" (for reasons related to how one feels about something, not related to practical reasons).

Couples who have "been together" (dated; been in a relationship) for a long time often have close friends and might need to "divide up" (separate) their friends, so that each person agrees to spend time primarily with certain friends. This can be helpful if group gatherings would be uncomfortable if both people were included. However, the two people must "proceed" (continue) "with caution" (very carefully) if they want to date one of their "ex's" (the former boyfriend or girlfriend, or former husband or wife) friends. If they are still "on speaking terms" (able to speak with each other calmly), they should request "explicit" (very clear) permission before dating an ex's friend.