ending it

"Bachelor" fever has spawned all kinds of discussions about breakup etiquette.

Men with questions more complex than whether they should sever ties on national TV can consult "The Gentleman's Guide to Dumping Your Girl."

The advice is pretty on par, with the exception of one tidbit that made me think twice:

The guide says it's OK to break up with a girl via e-mail if your relationship has been pretty casual.

For long, I thought breaking up was something you always had to do in person -- no matter how long the two of you have been together.

But I've since met many friends, women included, who say there's a certain relationship time window when it's OK to break up with somebody by phone or e-mail.

My biggest problem with that line of thought is even though YOU might think you've been dating for a mere month, you partner might think it's been a whirlwind of romantic significance. Bottom line: "Casually dating" isn't always a mutually understood term.

Does everyone deserve the decency of a face-to-face breakup?