Breaking up can be hard, but sometimes taking a break from a relationship is exactly what both parties need to make the relationship stronger in the long run.
Whether you are considering taking a break or have been told by your partner that they need space, here are some things to keep in mind.
Why Take a Break?
There are many reasons why couples might take a break from their relationship, and often it involves needing space to re-evaluate the relationship, work on personal goals, or deal with personal issues.
Some other reasons why couples might take a break include:.
- Feeling burnt out from the relationship
- Wanting to explore other opportunities
- Feeling like they are not happy in the current relationship
- Need time to focus on their career or schoolwork
- Dealing with personal issues such as anxiety, depression or addiction
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to communicate with your partner and be clear about your expectations for the break.
Taking a break should not be seen as a way to break up without actually breaking up with the other person, but rather as an opportunity to work on the relationship while still giving each other space.
Establishing Boundaries
It’s important to be clear about the rules of the break, such as how often you will communicate, and what will happen during the break.
For example, will you be seeing other people during the break or will you remain exclusive? What about social media? Should you unfollow each other on social media channels or continue to interact as usual?.
Establishing boundaries will ensure that both parties are clear on what is and isn’t acceptable during the break, and prevent any hurt feelings or confusion down the line.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the boundaries may change over the course of the break and that communication should remain open throughout.
Taking Time for Yourself
While the break may be primarily about the relationship, it’s also important to focus on yourself. Use the time to focus on personal hobbies, work on your mental health, and explore personal passions.
The time apart can allow you to recharge and come back to the relationship with a fresh perspective.
Communication is Key
Communication is perhaps the most important part of taking a break. It’s important to communicate regularly throughout the break to ensure that both parties are on the same page.
This doesn’t necessarily mean daily phone calls or texts, but rather communication around important topics such as if the break is still working for both parties and if they still want to continue with the relationship.
During the break, it’s also important to avoid getting too attached to the outcome and focusing on how the other person is feeling. Instead, focus on how you are feeling and what you want out of the relationship.
Ending the Break
At the end of the break, it’s important to remember that this will likely be a conversation between both parties about their feelings and the future of the relationship.
It may be that both parties agree that they are happier apart or that they want to continue the relationship with some changes in place. Either way, it’s important to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to listen.
Final Thoughts
Taking a break from a relationship can be a healthy way to work on personal issues and improve the relationship in the long-term.
However, it’s important to establish boundaries, focus on personal growth, and communicate openly throughout the break to ensure that both parties are on the same page. At the end of the break, both parties should have a conversation about what they want out of the relationship moving forward.