Is it permissible to break off an engagement after a long period and repeated meetings and correspondence between the engaged couple, and then to break it off without stating reasons?

Both men and women must excel in choosing a life partner. A woman should choose a righteous husband, and a man should choose a woman of religious commitment. The engagement is merely a promise of marriage and does not permit the suitor any interactions with the fiancée, such as shaking her hand, being alone with her, or going out with her. Therefore, repentance from these actions is obligatory. It is permissible to break off an engagement if it serves a benefit, even if the other party is not pleased. Caution must be exercised regarding the danger of correspondence between genders and the dire consequences that result from it.