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.

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.

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.

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!

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.