dear John
Dear John: A letter or other notification calling off a romantic relationship. The term was born during World War II when a serviceman stationed overseas received a letter from his girlfriend or wife ending their relationship. After the war, it was extended to both genders and used quite loosely, sometimes even for other kinds of rejection.
Similar Terms & Expressions
- Breakup Note: Any written communication ending a romantic relationship.
- Dumping Letter: A less formal version of the “Dear John” letter.
- Goodbye Letter: Another term for a letter ending a relationship, often more tender and bittersweet in tone.
- Heartbreak Note: A note causing an intense emotional response due to ending a romantic affiliation.
Synonyms
- Farewell letter
- Goodbye communiqué
- Parting note
Antonyms
- Love letter
- Romantic missive
Notable Quotations
- “Breaking up is like knocking over a Coke machine. You can’t do it in one push—you have to rock it back and forth a few times before it falls over.” – Jerry Seinfeld, comedian
- “In the end, love you take, is equal to the love you make.” – Lennon-McCartney
Interesting Proverbs
- “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson
- “Every goodbye makes the next hello closer.” – Unknown
Literature & Movies
- The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks: While not a “Dear John” story, it explores the complexities of enduring love and separation.
- Dear John by Nicholas Sparks: A direct literary tie-in, revolving around love letters during wartime.
- Movie: Dear John (2010), based on Nicholas Sparks’ book—it portrays a modern take on long-distance wartime romance.
Songs
- “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka: A melodic exploration of the pain of separation.
- “Goodbye My Lover” by James Blunt: An emotive ballad about parting ways.
### Which of these is an expression of ending a romantic relationship?
- [x] Dear John letter
- [ ] Running with the bulls
- [ ] Painting the roses red
- [ ] Climbing the corporate ladder
> **Explanation:** A "Dear John letter" is a common term for a letter that ends a romantic relationship. The others describe completely different scenarios.
### Which phrase means the same as 'Dear John letter'?
- [ ] Love letter
- [ ] Happily ever after
- [x] Breakup note
- [ ] Star-crossed lovers
> **Explanation:** "Breakup note" means the same as a "Dear John letter"—a letter ending a romantic relationship.
### True or False: Dear John letters originated in medieval times.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Dear John" letters originated during World War II when soldiers received letters from loved ones ending their relationships.
Remember, language shapes our reality and the way we interpret emotional experiences. The power of words can both wound and heal. Choose your pens—and your hearts—wisely.
