Relationship break conversations come up in many relationships, even when the two of you really love each other. There are many issues than can lead to a relationship break, and it's important to realize that sometimes, a break is a good idea. It doesn't mean that you'll actually break up. In fact, a break can end up strengthening your relationship – it all depends on what you do when you take a break. By reading up on the benefits of a relationship break, you can see why it might be a healthy option for you.
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1. Getting Space
One of the most common benefits of a relationship break is getting the space you need. Everyone needs space. If you're not used to being in a relationship or if your partner is very attentive and you're not accustomed to that, you can get antsy. You might just need some space to yourself.
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Taking a pause also allows for personal reflection away from the constant interaction with your significant other, giving you the necessary breathing room to evaluate your feelings and the direction of the relationship. The distance can shine a light on what genuinely matters to you, and at times, it may even rekindle the appreciation and love that got overshadowed by routine or conflict. It's like stepping back to view a painting from a new perspective — suddenly you see colors and shapes you didn't notice when you were standing too close.
2. Finding Yourself
When you tell your partner you need a break, his or her first reaction may be to think that you want to see other people; if your partner comes to you, then you might think that as well. However, that's rarely the case. You might just need to find yourself, to reconnect with who you are as an individual rather than as part of a couple.
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3. Feeling Calmer
Relationships can be tumultuous and passionate. While passion is essential, it can wear you out. A break to calm down, get yourself collected, and chill out can keep things from burning too brightly. This is one of those occasions when a relationship break is really helpful.
4. Learning if You're Compatible
Sad to say, if you doubt that you and your partner are really compatible with each other, it might be time for a break. Time apart can give you time to think about all the things you have in common, or whether or not this is a situation where opposites attract.
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A relationship break can be a beneficial tool for couples who are struggling with their relationship. Whether the break is a few days or a few weeks, it can help you gain clarity and perspective on the relationship.
One of the biggest benefits of a relationship break is that it allows you to step away from the relationship and gain insight into what is going on. This can be especially helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the relationship. Taking a break can help you to evaluate your feelings and determine if the relationship is worth continuing.
During a relationship break, it can also be beneficial to take the time to reflect on the things that you and your partner have in common. This can help you to identify what you both value in the relationship, as well as what is causing tension or dissatisfaction. Taking this time to focus on the positive aspects of the relationship can help you to strengthen your bond.
In addition, a relationship break can also give you the opportunity to assess how compatible you and your partner are. It can be helpful to take some time to think about whether you are truly compatible with each other or if your differences are causing tension. If it turns out that you are incompatible, it may be best to end the relationship.
5. Deciding What You Want
Sometimes, two people want different things. In this case, however, a relationship break may not have anything to do with your partner. You may need to decide whether you want a long term commitment, a marriage, or children, true, but you might also need time to decide whether you want to go to school, change your career, get a new job, and so on.
6. Figuring out Your Priorities
Couples sometimes have different priorities. That doesn't have to be a breaking point, but the two of you may want to take time to discover what your most important priorities are. If you don't have the same ones and can't compromise, it is better to know sooner rather than later.
7. Making Sure It's Love
If you're not sure you're really in love with your partner, then a relationship break can be hugely beneficial. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. If your heart does grow fonder, you'll know your feelings are true. If not … well, like I said, it's better to know this sooner rather than later.
8. Learning More about Yourself
While you might reconnect with yourself during your break, you'll also learn about what you like, what you don't like and what you need in a relationship. This is a great chance for you to come back to your relationship with a fresh set of eyes and ears.
9. Realizing You Miss Your Partner
When you've been in a relationship for a while, you can just get comfortable. Comfort isn't bad in a relationship, but do you really think that you'll miss your partner during the break? Are you happy the break is happening? These are questions you'll have to ask yourself!
10. A Break Isn't Breaking up
One of the biggest misconceptions that people have when it comes to taking a break in their relationship is that their relationship is over. That isn't true at all! A break doesn't mean you are breaking up, remember that!
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Taking a breather from your partner allows both of you to reflect on your individual desires and issues outside the relationship's influence. During this pause, understanding and personal growth can occur, potentially leading to a stronger bond if you reunite. It's a period for contemplation, not conclusion, where the space created can foster independence and a new appreciation for each other. Always communicate openly about the parameters of the break to maintain clarity and respect throughout this transformative time.
11. Time to Think
If you and your partner have been fighting a lot, you might need time to think. Sometimes it feels like breaking up is the only solution, but this is a great way to take the time you need without losing your partner for good.
12. Rekindle the Spark
Sometimes a break might be just what you need to get the spark back. Because of everything previously mentioned in this post, it's not surprising that the spark may have disappeared. Taking a break could let you know how much you want to be with your partner and when you get back together you'll feel like new again. On the other hand, you could try to start to date your partner again which can also rekindle the spark.
13. More Time with Your Friends and Family
Relationships can be time consuming and you can sometimes lose touch with the people that were once closest to you. A break might be a great time to reconnect with these people and see that you miss them. If you decide to get back into the relationship, you'll hopefully remember that these people are the ones who will always be there and you won't let them get lost in the shuffle again.
14. Help Figure Things out
Unfortunately, you may have been thinking of breaking up with your partner. If that's true, a break might help you figure out what you should do about that. The sad truth is that in the end, you may feel that it's better for you to end the relationship. On the other hand, you may realize that it's the last thing you want.
15. Breaks Can Help the Understanding
Finally, a break can bring an entirely new sense of understanding between you and your partner. You'll come back from your break feeling completely refreshed and who knows, maybe you will love each other a little more!
As mentioned, just because you take a relationship break doesn't mean your relationship is over. You and your partner can become even stronger than before. Generally a break isn't about a lack of love – unless, as mentioned, you're having doubts. Even still, a break can show you just what you're missing. If it does lead to a breakup, however, then it's often better to end things sooner, and more amicably. Have you ever had a relationship break? Let us know what happened and what you discovered!
This article was written in collaboration with editor Lydia Sheehan.
Comments
Emely: Me and my boyfriend took are taking a break. What should I do. Should we keep a break and see what will happen next. And I love him and he loves me. Should we just keep it like and wait until where leads in the relationship. Can I get help??
Valarie: I love this so much came upon this and it's everything I needed to hear during my break
Derek: So my girlfriend and I have been together for what will be eleven months . I am very happy with her but recently we have been getting into fights and I could tell she was becoming unhappy. Our fights were purely over my own paranoia and I began to smother her and she started rejecting my feelings. I opted that we take a break even though that was the last thing I wanted. I\'m different from most guys i have very big emotions and I want to be happy but I want her happy as well. The past few days I\'ve tried NC but it is very hard do that. I cry at least once everyday because I know that after the break she could very well end it. She is the girl I want to buy a house with and settle down. I am young and have yet to adventure into all of life\'s experiences. I am told that there are plenty other women out there for me waiting but this girl is above them all it\'s a true love story. I guess I just wrote here because I was browsing on ways in which this break benefits us both, but I also am writing because all of you on here share my dilemma male and female and I\'m looking for guidance because I don\'t want to lose the only girl I\'ll ever love.
Jasmine: My bf wanted a clean break...but I insisted on a 1 month break instead. We've been together for 7 months. I felt like his work is clouding his decisions. Will it be ok?
Angel: My husband and I have been married for almost 12 years and have been together for 17. We started to drift apart and my feelings for him faded after 2 bad years and counselling I decided that it was time for a break. We agreed a 3 month separation, as I wanted to see if my feelings for him to came back. That was 4 months ago. My feelings haven't returned yet he wants to move back in and try again, it is that or divorce. I don't know that I am ready for either. He has suggested an open-relationship to see if that helps but I am not the sort of person to have no strings sex. I am glad we had the break as we are talking to each other more now which is great for our kids but I am really unsure about trying again. How do I know if our relationship is over?
scooter: I dunno if I am allowed to post on this site, but I will try anyway because I need some help and you give some good advice, but basically me and my girlfriend have been dating for a year and a half at one point in the relationship we did have a small split up of a month, because I guess I overwhelmed her to fast and she wanted time to think and be with her family which was fine she came back and said that she was sorry and felt bad and we ended up going out again, and then we dated for another year and just recently I guess I was getting a little to pushy about certain things she was not ready for because I am her first boyfriend and her family is religious and protective and she finally suggested we go on break. but I still continued to text and talk and try to get her back I know it was dumb but it ended up with us breaking up but her saying that she truly loves me and sees us getting married but she doesnt want me to wait for her to get herself together enough to face this relationship because she doesnt know how long it will take and she wants me to explore other people, but I don't want to I truly have never felt this way before and I am not just saying that I love this girl and I know it may be corny but I really do think she is the one, but I know now to give her space, but I am worried that she doesnt want me to wait or if its a test to see if I really will wait or not, because I will this is the one girl I love I just don't understand if she sees a future with me why tell me not to wait am I being pushed away gently or does this still have a chance?
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