Evan, my boyfriend and I mutually agreed that it was okay to see other people when we went home over break. Now we’re back in school and he’s ready to be together again, but I met someone that I want to stay faithful to. How do I end things without breaking his heart?

Don’t think that because you have a hip, open relationship that you are somehow immune to the same relationship problems as anyone else.

First of all, if this someone you met lives back home, are you really interested in having a serious, long-distance relationship with them? Going back home and hopping all up on the hometown hunny is always fun, I agree. Are you sure that you want to sacrifice your physical relationship with your boyfriend for a Skype-based one with this guy?

If you’re really not interested in being with your boyfriend anymore, then you should probably break up with him.

He thought this was an opportunity for the two of you to have some fun with your hometown locals, not meet someone new.

He totally agreed with the whole seeing-other-people thing right? He can’t get mad that you met someone that you want to have something more with. Except he will. This wasn’t part of his plan when he realized he had a free booty pass over break while you weren’t around.

Be honest and explain that you’re interested in someone else and that you don’t want to be with him. There is probably nothing you can do to prevent breaking his heart. Hopefully he’s smart enough to realize that he kind of subconsciously agreed to this — it’s not going to make him any less sad though.

ealinko@mavs.coloradomesa.edu