How Hard Is It to Break Up with a Boyfriend from Each Zodiac Sign?

Aries boyfriend breakup difficulty: 4.5 points (5 is the highest)

Reaction to being dumped: He needs to be first at everything and hates to lose. If you initiate the breakup, he’ll struggle to accept it and, in extreme cases, may even lash out.

Breakup strategy: Aries men dislike having their authority challenged. If you constantly contradict him, he’ll start to resent it. At that point, you won’t have to end it—he’ll probably do it himself.

Taurus boyfriend breakup difficulty: 4 points

Reaction to being dumped: He’s stubborn, and once he decides you’re his partner, it’s hard to change his mind. Even if you want out, he’ll quietly wait for you to reconsider, which can make you feel guilty.

Breakup strategy: Taurus men hope to marry someone loyal and devoted. If you come across as careless, unreliable, and reckless, he’ll see you as unworthy of his commitment and won’t object when you suggest a breakup.

Gemini boyfriend breakup difficulty: 1 point

Reaction to being dumped: He’s easygoing and doesn’t take relationships too seriously. If you say you’re leaving, he might even wish you well.

Breakup strategy: No special strategy needed—be direct and explain how you feel.

Cancer boyfriend breakup difficulty: 3.5 points

Reaction to being dumped: If you initiate a breakup, he won’t make it hard on you and may act indifferent. Inside, though, he’ll be deeply hurt.

Breakup strategy: You probably don’t want to hurt him too much, so set the stage first. For example, make pointed critiques of his family (especially his mom) to irritate him. Then, when you break up, he won’t be as heartbroken and might even feel relieved.

Leo boyfriend breakup difficulty: 4 points

Reaction to being dumped: Reputation is everything to him. Being dumped feels humiliating, and to save face he may go to extremes to keep you around.

Breakup strategy: Because he’s image-conscious, use that to your advantage: dress sloppily when you’re out together and act clueless around his friends. If he feels embarrassed, he’ll be more willing to let you go.

Virgo boyfriend breakup difficulty: 2 points

Reaction to being dumped: He’s calm and rational. Even if he’s heartbroken, he won’t cry or cause a scene; he sees that as beneath his dignity.

Breakup strategy: Given his composure, you don’t need to worry about him falling apart. Be honest and talk through your differences—he may even agree with you.

Libra boyfriend breakup difficulty: 2.5 points

Reaction to being dumped: He’ll pull out all the romantic stops to win you back. If you’re unmoved, he’ll bow out gracefully rather than cling.

Breakup strategy: If his grand gestures start to annoy you and you want a quick end, level unfair accusations. He hates being treated unjustly, which will sour him on you.

Scorpio boyfriend breakup difficulty: 5 points

Reaction to being dumped: He’s intensely possessive and won’t easily let you go. If he can’t have you, he doesn’t want anyone else to, either. If you push for a breakup, love can flip to hate, and he may try to get even.

Breakup strategy: With someone this formidable, be strategic. Don’t telegraph that you plan to leave. Gradually present yourself as childish and dull so he’ll likely end it first. It’s a long game, and you’ll need patience to get free.

Sagittarius boyfriend breakup difficulty: 2 points

Reaction to being dumped: He’ll be hurt, but it’ll probably last only half a day. His optimism gives him a natural buffer against heartbreak.

Breakup strategy: If you act controlling and limit his freedom, he’ll spare himself even that half day of sadness and happily accept the breakup.

Capricorn boyfriend breakup difficulty: 1.5 points

Reaction to being dumped: He doesn’t prioritize relationships; his career comes first. When you leave, he might be sad for two minutes before diving back into work.

Breakup strategy: Make him choose between work and you, and he’ll choose work. You’ll reach your goal without much guilt.

Aquarius boyfriend breakup difficulty: 1 point

Reaction to being dumped: His reaction may be quirky: “Okay! I’m busy anyway—I don’t have time for a relationship.” Or, “After we break up, can I still borrow that Star Wars DVD from you?”

Breakup strategy: Be upfront about your intentions, and he’ll accept it. He’ll likely be open to staying friends afterward.

Pisces boyfriend breakup difficulty: 5 points

Reaction to being dumped: He won’t keep you against your will because he wants you to be happy. Still, he’ll be heartbroken and may spiral into despair.

Breakup strategy: He sees you as more important than anything else, which can make you feel guilty. So before you break up, try to find him a new partner.