Text dumping? That's just bad manners

Being dumped is never a pleasant experience, but most of us would surely admit that a face-to-face is the preferred method.

So getting the boot via text is, well just plain rude. That's the verdict from etiquette experts who say text dumping is just plain old bad manners.Experts from Debrett's, publishers of the A-Z of Modern Manners, say that texting is far "too heartless" for a breakup situation.

Jo Bryant, etiquette adviser to the publishing house, explained that a relationship of any real length deserves "face-to-face attention and a decent explanation".

Writing for The Sun, Miss Bryant said: "If it is very early days and you have been on just a few casual dates, then ending it by email or phone is fine. But texting is too heartless."

Fair enough. But there's more.

If you are about to do the deed, Miss Bryant has some more advice for the dumpers: "Do not break up with someone if they have just received bad news or are in a stressful situation. Or just before Christmas, their birthday or Valentine's Day.

"Avoid any Twitter tirades but only update your status on Facebook when you are sure it's over."

And for phone addicts everywhere, the advice is to avoid gazing endlessly at your mobile during a night out.

Miss Bryant added: "People in the flesh deserve more attention than a gadget, so wherever possible ignore your phone in social situations.

"If you are awaiting an important call, explain at the outset that you will have to take it, and apologise in advance."