how terrible is breaking up through email, really?

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I would say about as terrible as breaking up through instant messaging! That is what my first boyfriend did and although we are now good friends, it still hurt me a lot and made me wonder why he couldn't just call me; he couldn't tell me face-to-face because it was over summer vacation and lives 8 hours away from me. If the relationship is long distance than I would say a phone call might me more polite, although they might be really upset over this news and you would be listening to them cry, which may or may not be uncomfortable or make you feel badly about it. If they live close then I would probably do it face-to-face because to me it shows that you are able to be strong and face whatever happens afterwards. It also shows that you would still care enough to be there for them as a friend if they need something or are going through a rough time. Hope this helps!

It seems kind of ridiculous but it's not NEARLY as bad as breaking up through a text message.

The text message breakup has got to be one of the stupidest things I've ever heard of. People put WAY too much on texting. I'm glad my texts are disabled.

It's definatly frowned upon, but if you're having difficulty telling him otherwise, then go for it.

in bad taste.

The only reason I'll be the devil's advocate here; if you really like and respect the person, want them to understand that its not something your holding against them, and you need to give them a nuanced response that you know you'd never be able to spit out IRL; if its a nice long email and even saying to call me later in the week - I think that would be understandable.

If you just said "We're through" or if it was something that could have very easily spit out IRL; that's a different story all together at which point I agree - its not the thing to do.

I broke up with a long distance love over the phone, and we exchanged emails afterwards. I was in Kenya for a few months and she was back home. It was a horrible way to end things and if I still have to repress the urge to regret it.

It's a horrible way to leave someone - most of all, someone you've loved. If you do it face to face, you'll feel better in the long run. If not, then there's little else you can do about it. Just don't expect him to feel anything less than s**t

Dumping someone through e-mail or text message just shows what a wimp you really are.

In a mutual relationship, it is best to break up face-to-face, or, if long-distance, on the phone. The exception to this is if the relationship was in any way abusive and you are afraid for your safety. In this case, break up in any way that will get you (and your possessions, if you lived together) out, SAFE. In your case, I would say that by phone is the best. If you absolutely cannot get the words out by phone, it may actually be kinder to email, so you can take the time to say what you want in a kind way, and then offer the person the opportunity to call you at any time to discuss things. This makes you open to communication, but makes sure you say what you really mean instead of clamming up. It also allows the other person time to digest their feelings in private, before talking to you. Still, if you can manage, most people would agree that breaking up via some sort of mutual conversation is better than reading a one-sided letter. I don't think it would be right for your partner to travel many miles to see you just to be broken up with. Good luck.

Breaking up is breaking up, regardless of the medium used.