Yesterday, Sir Tim Barrow placed into Donald Tusk’s hands the letter giving notice the UK will begin divorce proceedings with the EU. This missive now takes its place among the great relationship-ending letters of history. Today, Downing Street has said that European leaders appreciated the ‘warm, constructive’ tone of the Article 50 letter.
But what makes for a good break-up letter? And when you look at the most memorable break-up letters of history, what do they have in common?
Lucy Hume from Debrett’s says a relationship-ender should first of all reflect the relationship. ‘The letter need not be very long but should be handwritten on writing paper, well-thought-out and appropriate to the relationship,’ she says. This suggests a text would never be appropriate. A good break-up letter should also be short and sweet, she says: ‘use your natural voice but avoid being overly emotional.
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