Don't Break up but Take a Break - Signs You Two Need Some Time Apart ...

Alison

Every relationship goes through difficult times, but that doesn't always mean that they're doomed to fall apart. Sometimes what you need is some time apart. This can provide you both with space to consider your feelings for each other and your future together. You may in the end decide that it's not working, but equally you may realise that you truly love each other and want to be together. Here are some signs that you need some time apart - it doesn't have to be the end …

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1. You're Getting Impatient

Do you find yourself getting impatient with each other? This could be because your partner is starting to irritate you. That my be no fault of theirs, but could be a sign that you need some time away from them. A break could give you valuable time on your own, and the space to reflect on what you want from the relationship.

2. The Relationship is Becoming Dull

Most relationships get a bit dull after a while. In the early heady stage every moment together is exciting; the realities of daily life are much more mundane! So it's easy to let the relationship become routine and stale. Time apart can refresh your relationship and reinforce how strongly you feel about each other.

Frequently asked questions

3. You're Not Sure Why You're Together

Perhaps you have doubts as to whether you're with the right partner, and secretly wonder if there's someone better out there for you. You know you love your partner, but you're not sure why, or if ending the relationship would be the right thing to do. Taking a break can help you clarify your feelings, and remind you what it is you love about them.

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Feeling uncertain about your partnership can signal a need to reassess without the pressure of constant interaction. A break offers the space to rediscover your individual passions, goals, and values. This time apart might just reignite the spark, as absence often makes the heart grow fonder. It allows you to reflect on your relationship with a clearer head, which can be difficult when you're always together. By taking a step back, you give yourself the opportunity to evaluate what each of you brings to the table and whether your partnership truly enriches your life.

4. You Feel Suffocated

So you've got a loving partner … a bit too loving. They want to spend every moment of every day with you. Feeling suffocated isn't good for a relationship, and can in fact push you in the opposite direction. But if you want to stay together, a break can actually force them to manage without you for a while, and show that you need your space.

5. You Feel You're Missing out

If you've got a sense of missing out on something that you really want to do, but being in a relationship gets in the way, a break may help you to fill that missing gap. Perhaps you want to move away to study for a while, but your partner resents being left behind. You can still maintain a long-distance relationship, while working towards a goal you really want to achieve.

6. You're Fighting All the Time

Constant fighting isn't a good sign, and wears you down. It feels as though all you ever do is argue, and you forget what attracted you to your partner. A break can really be beneficial in this situation, as it removes the opportunities to argue and gives you space to decide if you want to continue with the relationship.

7. It's Becoming One-Sided

Do you feel that you're the one making all the effort? Do you always make the arrangements for dates or vacations? Does your partner never ask about your life or how you're feeling? Take some space for both of you to reflect; they may realise that they're not putting enough effort into keeping you happy.

Do you think that a break is always final, or can it be a good thing?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I'm thinking about a break as well with my boyfriend. I'm not sure what to do... I fell in love for the first time so this is upsetting but may end up being a positive experience..

Break usually leads to break up. I personally experienced it few months ago. However if both agreed the purpose of taking a break is not for either one of them to stray that taking a break can refresh the relationship.

@alexis i completely agree. Ive done a break before and its just a slow break up. If someone asks for a break theyre just scared or feel bad for breaking it off

@Taylor Townsend aww breaks are really tough. especially when you're so used to having that person with you all of the time. but this break can either make you guys or break you guys. wait for him to look for you and for him to miss you. trust me.

My boyfriend has told me that he's too comfortable with me? What is this? We don't really talk or spend much time together, always seems to be me making a lot of the effort! HELP :/

@taylor Townsend can I ask how things turned out for you, going through something similar at the moment and just found this Thread

I think i might take this action too. After 11 years together, i think i becoming more & more fierce towards him just because his action not into our plan to get married.

A break is sometimes a good thing. Helps to give perspective in a situation. Taylor Townsend I'm in your boat. I'm on a break too and I hate it but it's made me realize some things. Just give him his space. My bf called me to tell me he loved and missed me and I'm the one but we're still on the break. I suffocated him and now I'm focusing more on myself. I've gone out a couple of times but these guys are not him.

Been to the brink and back. Phew! I think, ultimately it helps figure out what each wants and doesn't want.

My bf asked for time to think about a month ago cos of something i did. I was hurt cos its the first time a guy ever told me they need time to think. I got pissed n deleted his number (don't know his number by heart) since i did not want to contact him. He texted me in two days n said he wanted to talk. We met up n made up. But now i only see him twice a week instead of 4-5 times a week n it gives us the chance to really miss each other so we really do value our time when we meet. And also he wants me to move in with him but i made it clear to him im not living with any guy till im married. We've only been dating for 6 months. He's a great guy and all but i have to stick to my rules n he respects that. I don't think i can live without allwomenstalk app lol. So anyways if your significant other asks for a break do not contact them and if they really want to work things out then they will contact definitely contact you.