A goodbye letter to someone you love is a personal, informal message sent to a significant other, family member, or friend to mark the end of your relationship or friendship. Unlike a breakup letter, this letter cannot be used to end a relationship but rather to bring closure to one that is already over.
There are many reasons you may wish to say goodbye to someone you love, be it betrayal, moving away, domestic violence, or divorce. Whatever your reasons, one of the most efficient ways to deal with your feelings about this loss is to express them creatively by writing a letter.
If you just ended a relationship or are finally bringing yourself to find closure, read on to learn How to Write a Goodbye Letter to Someone You Love.
When Might You Send a Goodbye Letter
As the name suggests, a Goodbye Letter to Someone You Love can be written to anyone you care about or with whom you share a close relationship. This can include your wife, husband, partner, significant other, child, neighbor, friend, or colleague. It can also be applied to different situations such as when:
- A relative or family member dies unexpectedly before you can say goodbye.
- You or your friend has to move to a different state for work.
- You broke up with a significant other
- You got divorced from your partner.
- A coworker is retiring or resigning from work.
Elements of a Goodbye Letter
A goodbye letter is a personal and informal document and so it can be drafted freely without the stricter rules of business letters. For instance, you don’t need to add a signature or keep your letter brief. That said, it is crucial to consider the reader when drafting your letter.
Communicate your message effectively and stay on topic by including the following details in your message:
- The nature of your relationship with the reader
- The reason you are saying goodbye
- An acknowledgment of the time spent with the reader.
- Your feelings about the end of the relationship
- Positive wishes for the future
Writing Tips for a Goodbye Letter
A goodbye letter, regardless of who it is written to, can carry a sad tone, which is why you should try to focus on the positives of the ending relationship. The following pointers should help you do this:
- When writing from a place of emotion, be honest.
- Mention the good memories you will be taking from the experience.
- Avoid criticizing the reader or bringing up matters you may be unable to address through a letter.
- Express gratitude for the reader’s good qualities
- If you are writing for closure, express all your emotions, but in a respectful way.
Farewell Letter to Someone You Love (Format)
{Date}
{Recipient’s Name}
{Recipient’s Address}
{City, State, Zip Code}
Dear {First/Last Name},
I am writing this letter with a heavy heart to say goodbye. Following {mention the circumstances that led to your decision to leave, e.g., a new job offer}, I will be leaving {insert place or situation you are leaving, e.g., Texas} to {optional: briefly mention future plans}.
Even as I go, I will carry the memory of you in my heart at all times. I will especially cherish the {mention specific memories}. You have been an amazing {mention relation to reader}.
{If you wish to maintain communications, say so and provide contact information}.
I wish you nothing but the best in whatever your future holds.
Sincerely,
{Your Name}
Sample Goodbye Letter to Someone You Love
11 January 2031
James Sainsbury
500 Justice Road
Austin, TX 67600
Dear Jim,
I received my acceptance letter into the St. Martha Monastery, where I will be receiving my training as a Sister. As you know, I will be required to cease contact with all my relations for the first three years. While I am happy to be living my dream, it gives me great sadness to leave you behind.
Since we were children, you have been more than a brother to me. You have protected, loved, and cared for me, even when I didn’t deserve it, and I will forever be grateful. You are the best brother a girl could ask for.
Please remember me and cherish our good memories. I will see you soon.
Goodbye, and I love you.
Mary Sainsbury
Goodbye Letter to Someone You Love (Word Template)
Final Thoughts
Your mind will respond to the end of a relationship by grieving. Learning How to Write a Goodbye Letter to Someone You Love is a courageous first step in accepting and facing your feelings about loss. When drafting your letter, be careful to stick to your message’s purpose, write clearly, and be honest.