it's not you, it's me

cliché You are not the reason our romantic relationship is ending, the problem is with me. Typically assumed to be a disingenuous, trite, or patronizing explanation for a romantic breakup, the phrase is often used sarcastically or humorously as a result. A: "But I thought you were happy with me. I don't want to end things!" B: "Oh, sweet Tom, it's not you, it's me! I'm just not emotionally ready for a committed relationship." Yeah, he tried to give me the old "it's not you, it's me" routine during the breakup, till I finally got him to admit that he was seeing someone else.