Sample Goodbye Letters

If you are briefly or permanently parting ways, a letter saying goodbye can either strengthen the bond of a relationship that you share . . . or help bring closure.

A goodbye letter is not the place to vent your anger and bottled up emotions or say things that in person you would not.

Respect the recipient's emotions and time. Say what's important and nothing more. Don't say or imply anything unbecoming of you.

Focus on the recipient and their emotions. Step into their shoes and write what you think you'd want to hear if you were them. Ego has no place in a goodbye letter. Be dignified no matter how intimately you know the recipient or how hurtful the parting of ways was.

If you are permanently parting ways, avoid writing an emotionally charged goodbye letter. It may only worsen the situation and it may come back to haunt you.

Focus on the positives about the recipient and the relationship. Be vulnerable. It's okay. Do you remember an episode from your time together that taught you something important? Mention it. Is there something that the recipient did that you found touching? Mention that too.

If the parting of ways was acrimonious, make amends by apologizing and offering a hand of friendship. It takes courage but it is not impossible and the recipient's response may surprise you.

In closing, ask after the recipient's family, friends and/or colleagues, if appropriate.