Back in the day, when a couple broke up, you either heard about it firsthand or had to endure an uncomfortable moment at an event where you asked someone where their significant other happened to be. However, in the social media era, many people choose to announce the breakup with a somber post or simply change their relationship status. Chris and Tenia, a couple in the Columbia, South Carolina area, decided to have some fun with their breakup by doing a funny photoshoot and announcing it on a letter board, like a child starting a new grade at school. At first glance, it seems strange, but if people announce their engagement with a photoshoot, why not mark the pivotal moment when the couple goes their separate ways with some commemorative shots? The photos, posted to Threads, are great because Chris and Tenia are posed as if they still love each other, wearing deadpan smiles as they stand back-to-back. “The relationship has ended, but the jokes will never!” Chris wrote in the caption. “We are returning each other back to the streets respectfully…” Couple announces breakup with a funny photoshoot The photoshoot post. Photo credit: Chris Salam/Threads The photoshoot was definitely a surprising way to announce their breakup, but many commenters praised the couple for their emotional maturity. While a lot of people in their situation would be at each other’s throats, they’re having fun with it. “Take notes, lesbians. We can absolutely go our separate ways in peace,” cde_esq wrote. “The level of maturity it takes to split amicably and still find and maintain a friendship is something a lot of people wouldn’t understand. All jokes aside, this is dope and a prime example that just because it ends romantically doesn’t mean it has to end platonically,” _shell_bell_22 wrote. “Love this! This gives me faith in humanity lol, I love the idea of two nice folks realizing it doesn’t work romantically and it not becoming a toxic situation,” beetsoda wrote. A couple laughing together. Photo credit: Canva Chris and Tenia’s relationship ended after four and a half years because, according to Chris, they “realized recently we weren’t really happy, just going with the routine instead. We are on two different journeys but have the most respect and love for each other,” she told Queerty. The breakup photos showed emotional maturity because they were clear and announced that the relationship was officially over. And as Brené Brown says, “Clarity is kindness.” A couple holding each other. Photo credit: Canva How to end your relationship with maturity “When ending a relationship, it’s tempting to soften the blow with lines like, ‘Maybe in the future,’ or ‘I just need some time.’ But emotionally mature people know that dangling false hope only prolongs the pain,” relationship counselor Tina Fey writes in Eluxe Magazine. “Kindness doesn’t mean sugarcoating. It means balancing empathy with clarity. … It’s not about easing your guilt—it’s about giving them the gift of closure.” Ultimately, it’s hard to see a relationship end, but Chris and Tenia seem to be handling it the best way possible. They used their breakup to show others that you can end a relationship and still treat each other with respect and a whole lot of humor. The post Lesbian couple shares news of their breakup with a funny photoshoot appeared first on Upworthy.