Public breakups are still a thing — and it’s awkward for everyone

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Inside the breakup economy

I know, I know, it's Valentine's Day, so who wants to read about breakups? Hear me out. Today isn't just about love; it's about every part of a relationship — the meet-cute, the intoxicating limerence, and even splitting up over soup. Meet the breakup economy.

Business Insider's Juliana Kaplan writes about how breaking up in public is still a thing, and many are choosing restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to do the deed. It's not only affecting the two people sitting at the table. Waitstaff are also taking notice and trying their best to navigate what happens when someone suddenly leaves the table.

Chef Gabrielle Macafee encountered this exact scenario when she worked at a Brooklyn restaurant serving a small tasting menu. After a couple walked in looking "morose," the man stood up and left halfway through the $130 meal.

"My teammates and I were like, wait, how do we handle this? He's gone. You can only hold the food for so long," Macafee told BI's Kaplan, who added that the woman still seated paid for both meals. "We offered to send her the rest, but obviously, she just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible."

If you do find yourself giving the "it's not you, it's me" speech in public, dating coach Julie Nguyen advised picking a neutral spot, such as a park, and avoiding regular haunts you both frequent. "You don't want either of you to feel dread going back, or tie bad memories to a spot they love. A neutral, quiet outdoor setting is the best play," she added.

Lane Denbro, a former line cook, said that if you're not in total shock at what's happening, be thoughtful of the staff, the servers, and the bartenders. "If you're going through a breakup, make sure to tip well, because the service staff in the back of house, we're going to try to support you however we can," Denbro said.