I am having trouble breaking up with my girlfriend.  She is very nice,
but I realize there will be no long term relationship here.  Each time
I start to discuss breaking up, she will tell me I can't do that, cry,
etc.  This is hard because I really don't want to hurt her feelings. 
What sort of guidance can you give me to strengthen my emotional health and
hers?  She is 23 and I am 26.

It is rather obvious that you simply cannot break up with her without
hurting her feelings.  Sorry.

At some point in time, it will come down to whether you let her tears
control the next 50 years of your life, or not.

This really is a tough one but, if your mind is made up, you must have
a serious talk with her - face-to-face - and tell her your decision.

Then THAT'S IT. No more contacts, ever.

A nice girl of 23 should soon find someone else.

Best Wishes to Both of You.

Bryan

Find another girl you would like to go out with.
Set up a date with her for a few days into the future.
Think about the new chick.
The night before your first date with the new girl, have a heart to
heart with your current girlfriend.
You will have the courage to break up with her because you have
oppened up new opportunities fir yourself.
Notice I didn't say go out with anyone BEFORE you break up. But no
reason not to go out again very quickly after you have let your
current girlfriend down easily.
You are finding it hard because you don't have anyone else in your
life. If you make a future date, then I think you will find the
strength to go through with what you know is not working for you and
break it off.

I remember working 30 years ago with a man who had this very problem.
After he told her he was done with her, she called him up and told him
she had swallowed a bunch of pills. He went to her place, and called a
doctor, who told him if he kept her awake all night, she would be
okay. So, he stayed all night and walked her up and down.

In the morning, he told her if she called him again in like manner, he
was going to let her die.  And, he meant it. Tough guy.

End of problem.

Dear Pegues-Ga

If you want to break up with this girl, and you are afraid she might
become violent....The best thing to do is to get her to break up with
you.  Now hear me out.  You do not have to be a butthole or a jerk
either, just trust me.
First, go out on a date with her and tell her that you are sorry for
even bringing up the break up thing.  Tell her you were getting bad
info from friends or just make something up (too stressed out)
whatever.  It is very important to PAY FOR EVERYTHING.  If she offers
tell her that IM THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO APOLIGIZE...Become a wuss in
effect.

Second:  Start buying her presents not too flashy (teddy bear or
something to that effect).  Buy her one immediately, send flowers to
her work.  Dont overdo it though.  1 present, 1 set of flowers in 1
week should be suffice.

Third:  If you are sexually active then approach her for sex in a very
weak way, try asking her if it's ok to approach her.  (Dont overdo it)
Be coy with your new found wussiness.  If she initially rejects you
then beg for it.   Try to do this during that time of the month when
she will reject you...Then beg for some other type of pleasure.  When
she rejects you buy her something to make up (This will really turn
her off).

Fourth:  Get needy..Ask her where shes been whos she been with..Was
GUY X there?  Then complain your not spending enough time together. 
If it all possible tell her who she can and cant hang out with.

I give it 3 weeks max. Some bonus points...Tell her shes beautiful,
nice body..whatever.  Do not tell her things like she has made good
decisions or how special she is (unless it has to do with beauty).

You need to let her know that if you two were not seeing each other
you would be lost.  Your life would be over and you will be in a ditch
drunk the next morning.  What you are doing know is displaying
confidence and the attributes that tell her that you are the one who
calls the shots.  These aspects are what really attract women to men. 
By not paying attention to her and going out with other women will
drive her insane.  You will have to hide from her.  It will take a
couple of weeks, you will notice a difference.  Unless this girl has
mental problems (and I doubt it).  She will break up with you.