When it comes to relationships, communicating is a key part, and ghosting someone can affect their confidence and make them doubt themselves. We often ghost because we don’t want to reject the other person. Or simply because we’re a little scared.

Justine Ang Fonte, MEd, MPH, is a professional educator on topics about health and sexuality. Not long ago, she also started working as a freelance breakup “ghostwriter.” She helps people who need to write a good breakup text thanks to her skillfully crafted templates. Of course, she lets her clients personalize the notes.

Ghosting is fine if your safety is somehow threatened physically or emotionally. In such cases, you won’t have to feel guilty about not messaging someone back, and you can even block them. It’s not ideal, but it works, we guess?

If you put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think it would feel rude if they rejected you, then maybe go for a more personal way of breaking up, like a phone call or a real-life conversation. You can even ask them for a FaceTime call or meet them at the coffee shop. Of course, if you feel unsafe, a text is always the better option.

The text formula Fonte recommends is: “Hi [Name], here’s what was really great + Here’s the thing that I think was missing or the thing that I think we didn’t align on + I wish you well because you are a good person.”

However, never blame them. Simply explain that you understand they need more time and that you respect their feelings.

Remember that if the other person has hurt your feelings, you don’t owe them a compliment. Explain how you feel and be honest about it. Set your boundaries straight and directly say you wouldn’t like to continue the relationship.

People who like running and getting exercise don’t stop just because it’s winter or nighttime. They run all the time, whenever they can. But running alone in the dark in winter has its dangers, and one must keep that in mind. If you want to get your workout in and are avid on doing it no matter the season or time of day, keep some safety tips in mind. You’ll have an enjoyable run and still protect yourself!

Make Sure to Have Light

Having a light source during your winter nighttime run is pertinent to protecting yourself from all sorts of dangers. It won’t be enough to wear a bright color when it’s dark out or winter when visibility is questionable. Keep safety in mind, and make sure you grab a headlight or some reflective kit so you can be visible from afar.

Listen Closely to Your Surroundings

Keeping your safety in mind, go beyond simply taking your earbuds out and running without them. Make sure to have a whistle on your wrist or around your neck. If you feel you’re in danger, you can signal to others that may be around. Even download a safety app with a panic button and emergency contacts if necessary. Listen closely to what’s happening around you, and make sure you can call out for help in some way if you need to.

Run With Others

You might be the kind of person who enjoys going on runs alone, but you should try and avoid that when it’s winter and dark out. Why not have a friend or two tag along? That way, you’ll have someone to talk to and feel safer running in a group rather than alone. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure someone knows where you’re heading, so share your running plans with a close friend or family member to be on the safe side.

There’s Safety in Keeping Steady

You don’t have to stop running altogether, just be smart about it. Running in colder temperatures at fast speeds exerts a lot of energy, which means you’ll be too tired to defend yourself if it comes to it. Enjoy a steadier pace. That will also help you see dangers like ice, puddles, or anything else, ahead of time.

Have your exercise, and do your daily run but keep your safety in mind at all times. Do what you can to make sure you’re protected and can fully enjoy your run, even if you’re alone in the dark in wintertime.