GL's guilt-free guide to ... the end.

[OUCH, REJECTION HURTS. EVEN WHEN YOU'RE THE ONE DISHING IT OUT.]

Whether you need to ditch a sitch with a bud, a boy or a bratty kid, here's your step-by-step to a speedy exit. We're not saying it will always be smooth, but we do know it gets better with a little practice.

Feel free to rehearse the samples laid out here to gain some dry-run experience with the no's and no-way's but, please, don't become an actress. Ultra-dramatic goodbyes are for the movies.

[THE RANDOM BOY WHO'S CRUSHING ON YOU]

>THE SITCH The semi-obnoxious boy in Spanish class likes you. He says he wants to study some vocabulario together, senorita. It'd be one thing if he were normal enough to be buds with--or nice enough to check out as a crush--but he doesn't fit into either category. You're so not attracted on any level.

>THE STRATEGY Keep it simple, but be very clear. Not dealing can worsen the situation, because the longer you wait to dash someone's hopes, the more intense the feelings of rejection. Unless he's been totally rude to you, there's no reason to crack that you'd rather switch to Russian class than study with him. Honesty is important but, in this case, it's important to get it over with than to come up with a string of creative excuses.

Him: "Hey, my parents are out of town. How 'bout I help you out with those verbs [wink-wink] after school?"

You: "Um, I don't see us studying together. Thanks for asking, anyway."

One uncomfortable na'no'second is not so bad compared to an excruciating evening of "study time."

[THE INSTA-FRIEND WHO TURNS OUT TO BE NOT AS GREAT AS YOU THOUGHT]

>THE SITCH You met and bonded like glue with the new girl, expecting without a doubt she'd get along so well with your crew. A few lunches later, you realize you judged prematurely. Not only are your friends rolling their eyes when she brags about how much better her old school was, but she's insulting you, too.

>THE STRATEGY You brought her into your circle, so it's your job to get her out! Harsh, maybe, but you had good intentions. While it may be tempting to ice her out, it will just drag out the inevitable and confuse her as she gets pushed further down the food chain.

Her: "Hi! Can you even believe how we're such best friends already!?!"

You: "You know, I'm so glad I could introduce you to new people, but I've been neglecting my other friends and need to spend more time With them. Please, let me know at school if I can help show you around or anything!"

No need to kick her off the lunch table, but don't give mixed messages that might move you back to speed-dial.

[THE NIGHTMARE BABYSITTING CLIENT]

>THE SITCH You've sat for the neighborhood brats for months, and you cringe when their parents call. It wouldn't be so bad if they paid well, but it's lousy. To top it off, they come home later than promised, when you're dying to escape.

>THE STRATEGY Don't spend another night in misery! You're in control of your babysitting biz--find a new family. Let Mr. and Mrs. Bratmeister know you can't sit anymore. Be prepared for pleading--they'll be desperate to keep someone who tolerates their little "dears."

Brats' parent: "Hi! Are you free to babysit next Saturday night?"

You: "I'm sorry, I'm not. I'm taking another regular sitting job, so I won't be available anymore. Thanks, though, for the opportunity you gave me."

Use your most final, authoritative voice for a permanent rejection to prevent any repeat calls.

[THE LAB PARTNER WHO SHOULD FAIL CHEMISTRY]

>THE SITCH A mere month into lab, you realize you cannot make it another week with your ditzy, clumsy, science-hating partner. Meanwhile, half your grade depends on her lame input.

>THE STRATEGY Stay focused on your report card. Relay specific examples to demonstrate how incompatible you are.

Your slacker partner: "Wouldn't it be cool if we substituted lip gloss for water in the experiment?"

You: "No, but I must be an incredibly boring lab partner. How about we see if we can switch?"

Make the case to Teach that you need a new partner. For maximum effectiveness, bring the lab partner as Exhibit A.

[THE BGF WHO CONFESSES HIS CRUSH]

>THE SITCH You have a great guy pal who's a blast. But, yikes, he wants to be more than friends. Not that it's never crossed your mind but, no lie, you truly have zero romantic feelings for him.

>THE STRATEGY Minimize the awkwardness by explaining how much you cherish the friendship--but that there's no getting past the fact you see him like a bro. Kinda freaked out? Just consider it a lesson in the sometimes complicated boy-girl friendship territory.

Him: "Don't you think we should be more than friends?"

You: "I think we've got it figured out just the way it is."

Keep an open spot for him in your circle, but don't be shocked if the friendship needs a break. Some guys get embarrassed and want time to chill. Others are way too crushed, so they may fade away.

[YOUR BFF'S BOYFRIEND]

>THE SITCH Your friend has a new BF, and she is deliriously happy. One afternoon when she goes to get a soda, he tells you he has always liked you.

>THE STRATEGY No manners necessary! This rejection is so easy, we almost left it out. If your BFF'S boy is more than friendly with you, tell him immediately you're not interested.

Him: "Ya know, I have always really liked you a lot."

You: "And, ya know, I have always tolerated you ... until today."

So should you tell your bud? If you do drop the bomb, tell her word for word. She might be humiliated about being fooled but, ultimately, a true bud will be relieved it was you and not someone else who exposed Romeo.

[YOUR BF, WHO'S GOT TO GO]

>THE SUCH You're just not into him anymore, for whatever reason. It's nothing big, but you feel you might have more fun being single again.

>THE STRATEGY Choose a private moment, and be honest. Whether you didn't share enough interests (he has a PS2 problem) or had different priorities (he's a homework-wrecker), tell him politely that it's over.

Sorry, this one is all you! There's no one-liner to make it easy. Still dreading it? Some relationships need work, and you could just be in a rough spot. But if cutting loose seems more attractive, maybe this one has come to The End.