The expression “taking a break” is used to describe what is typically meant to be a temporary break in a relationship.
When it feels like your relationship is stagnating or you are unclear about how to move forward, taking a break may seem like a great way to put your relationship on hold while you decide what to do next.
However, taking a break from your relationship doesn’t necessarily mean it will end in divorce. You may choose to take a break even though you don’t always need one to get over challenges if it seems like the best course of action for you and your relationship.
Every relationship is different and will occasionally go through challenging times. You might think about your relationship and how you want to move it ahead while on a break.
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In a recent Instagram post, certified relationship coach Alexandra offered three crucial pieces of advice for taking a break from a relationship.
Make your break intentions clear
Clarifying your intentions will help you both feel more in control and help you make the most of the situation.
This has to do with your goals and how you want to use the break. Here is how that may appear:
“I need some distance to rediscover myself because I feel like I’ve been so involved in your life lately that I’ve lost sight of who I am.”
“I’ll take this time to tune into what I want & what I’m willing (or not) to tolerate moving forward because we’re not on the same page regarding crucial things.”
Define for each of you what a break entails
If you recall the Friends episode where Ross and Rachel were taking a break, it is evident that they each had very different ideas of what it meant to “take a break,” which is one of the reasons the “break” wasn’t helpful for them.
Here are some ideas for what you might talk about as you consider what each of you means by “a break” because it affects your expectations.
Is the split only “time apart” or is it a legal separation?
During the break, will you remain in contact? If so, how frequently?
Set a time frame for your break
Without a timeframe, it may seem as though you are traveling in a dark tunnel with no way out.
While you’re on the break, that ambiguity may cause a buildup of misgivings, animosity, and contempt against the other. So that you may select how you want things to go, pick when you’ll reconnect.
