Phase Out

In a recent conversation with girlfriends I learned of a term being used to end a relationship. "Phased Out". Being a part of the project management/IT world, to me, this phrase does not apply to people. "How does one get phased out? Break it down for me?"

I know YOU already know what this means so just work with me. I was told first you start by not calling or texting. Then when you get called or texted you keep your conversations brief and text short one liners. Eventually the person catches the hint and will stop communicating all together. I'm not good at catching hints; obviously.

Harsh. Why not just tell the person how you really feel? "This aint working." See easy. Oh my way is harsh? Hmmph Phasing is harsh and too time consuming. There's no closure. The other person will just lay low for a while then start leaving notes on your car about how they saw you out last night or how they are going to kill your baby sister and put her in the mailbox. Oh my bad, I digressed again (bad habit) that only happened to me. But it could happen to you too lol.

All right since I'm talking about being honest here let me confess. I think I am upset because I am reflecting on when I freaking got phased out. Man you coulda just told me...dang.

Talk to me; phase out or straight up. Which way is best?