Ellie wants to break up with Kevin, but doesn't have the heart to tell him, so she starts criticizing things about him, like how sloppy and lazy he is and how his friends annoy her.Ellie secretly, and even somewhat unconsciously, hopes that Kevin will take the hint and ask Ellie to break up with him.Ellie's approach to ending this relationship is an example of the indirect strategy of cost escalation.

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Ellie is using indirect hints and criticism to escalate the costs of the relationship for Kevin, in the hope that he will initiate the breakup instead of her having to directly confront him with her feelings. This is a common example of the indirect strategy of cost escalation.

Ellie Wants to Break Up with Kevin, but Doesn't Have