Couple's Breakup Weekend Away Divides Opinion: 'Prolonging the Pain'

A video claiming to show a woman and her boyfriend enjoying a "breakup weekend getaway" has split opinion, with some praising the couple for finding a mature and heartfelt way to end things while others described it as their worst nightmare.

In a clip shared to TikTok by tovahparpar, a man and woman can be seen holding hands in bed while an onscreen caption explains they are "breaking up in two weeks" but have prefaced their separation with a short trip away together to reflect about the good times.

The clip, which has been viewed 3.9 million times, sparked a major debate online in the process and can be watched here.

There's no easy way to end a relationship but there is definitely a right way to go about doing it. According to New York psychologist Loren Soeiro, it's important to "consolidate positive memories of the relationship as you move forward with your life."

"You'll want to accept the reasons the relationship didn't work while retaining the ability to look back on it with warmth," he told Psychology Today. "The person you're breaking up with deserves the same, and will need to experience the breakup in a way that doesn't overwhelm their good memories."

Soeiro believes it's crucial to "acknowledge the parts of the relationship that were good and validate those experiences" in a way that will help minimize the pain associated with ending things.

That certainly appears to be the intentions of the couple featured in the viral clip.

As the accompanying on-screen caption explains, they spent four hours "cuddling" while "reminiscing" about their time together.

"We talked about all of our fears, our plans for healing, and what we hope for our futures," the caption continued. "It was heartbreaking and healing all at once."

But while the couple appeared to have benefited from the trip together, many on social media appeared ill at ease with the idea.

"This would be psychologically traumatizing for me," smfhalec wrote, with eva.walters22 agreeing: "Cannot think of anything worse than this."

Christin Grace Goddard felt they were "just prolonging the pain," while hayyzzeerr said: "I would be hysterically crying every second I saw him if I knew we were breaking up in two weeks." Beatlesfannumber1_ added: "For me this would be even worse than a normal break up."

Despite the backlash, plenty saw merit in the couple's approach and a few even admitted to doing similar.

As Courtney Bowden put it: "Sometimes a breakup isn't a crisis, sometimes it's two people who love each other realizing there is a non-negotiable that means they aren't their forever."

Markiboy171 felt it was a "mature and considerate" way to end a relationship while Kindyl wrote: "Feel bad for the people who don't get it, sometimes what's best is hardest."

"I had a breakup that was like this," sydneylea_ commented. "We loved each other immensely but knew we wouldn't work long term because I want kids and he doesn't."

Newsweek has contacted tovahparpar for comment.