When a guy says, "I'm trying to end this on my terms" during a breakup, it typically means that he wants to be the one in control of the breakup process and wants to have things go the way he desires. This statement could indicate a few different things:
Taking control: He may want to end the relationship on his own timeline and not be influenced by external factors or pressure from the other person. He wants to assert his independence and autonomy in making this decision.
Avoiding confrontation or guilt: By ending things on his terms, he might be trying to avoid a messy or emotional confrontation. He may feel that if he takes the lead in ending the relationship, he won't have to face the guilt or sadness of seeing the other person hurt.
Protecting his emotions: Sometimes, people use this phrase as a defense mechanism to protect themselves emotionally. By being the one to initiate the breakup, he may feel more in control of his emotions and be less vulnerable.
Retaining a sense of power or dignity: Ending a relationship can be difficult, and some individuals want to maintain their sense of power or dignity by being the one to call it quits.
It's important to note that the way someone phrases a breakup can reveal a lot about their emotional state and how they are handling the situation. In some cases, it might indicate that the person is struggling to cope with the emotions surrounding the breakup, and this statement is a way of trying to regain some sense of control.
It's also essential to communicate openly and honestly during a breakup to ensure that both parties are heard and understood. It's a challenging time for both individuals involved, and treating each other with respect and empathy can make the process more manageable, even if it's not entirely on one person's terms.