By Alison • 23 Comments
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?