Taking A Break: What Does Break Mean In A Relationship?


The statement “we were on a break” may instantly conjure up images of Ross and Rachel from Friends, whose relationship appeared to fall apart after they chose to take a break from one another. However, the fact that each individual had a different definition of what taking a break actually meant contributed to the failure of their break. Understanding what taking a break means for you, your partner, and your relationship as a whole is crucial given this.
What Does it Mean to Take a Break From a Relationship?
The ideal break occurs when two committed partners mutually decide to put their relationship on hold for the good of either or both of them. The separation may be necessary for self-care or due to forced or voluntary geographic distance, temporarily increased job or family duties that would make it challenging to maintain the relationship’s regular rhythm.
When Should Couples Take a Break?
Although they don’t want to end their relationship or give up on each other, many couples decide to take a break because they are experiencing obstacles, difficulties, or doubts in their union. For example, even though you and your partner have a great deal of affection for one another, you just can’t seem to stop fighting and disagreeing about anything. Or maybe you’re a little unclear about how you really feel about spending the rest of your life with this person, but you’re still holding out hope that there might be something permanent between the two of you.
Taking a break provides you the time and space to reassess what’s best for you, your spouse, and your relationship. It also gives you the time to yourself to decide exactly what you want.
What are the Pros and Cons of ‘Taking a Break?’
Pros
There are numerous advantages to taking a break from your relationship, and despite what might seem contradictory, doing so can really help you and your spouse come closer. First, it can give you a new perspective on your relationship and give you the chance to reevaluate your own needs, wants, and desires. Additionally, it may assist you in better appreciating and comprehending the significance of your companion in your life as well as how their existence influences you and your well-being. And with this renewed perspective, you can come back to your relationship after a break and be in a position to express what you want moving ahead and what you can both work on as a pair.
Cons
One significant problem of taking a break is that it may only serve as a means of delaying an impending split when considering the various negative aspects of doing so. And by taking a break, you’re both just postponing your relationship’s inevitable end and any related suffering, melancholy, and/or guilt. Along these lines, taking a break may also be a huge source of tension and anxiety for you because you might continually worry about your spouse and their whereabouts as well as get fixated on the choice they will make regarding the future of your relationship.
What Happens After A Break In A Relationship?
When a problem arises in your relationship, you must assess the benefits and drawbacks, which frequently results in a decision to end things. While some breaks can result in breakups, others are able to get past their difficulties and find lasting love.
A Healthy Relationship Break
Fixing the problems is simpler if both couples can agree on clear ground rules, set a goal for their time apart, own up to their mistakes, and make a commitment to self-reflection.
When you take a pause, think back to the initial motivation for your actions. The time is right to let go of the past. Both forgiving others and refraining from bringing up fresh issues are crucial. Numerous studies support the idea that couples who take a healthy break grow to value one another more, resulting in relationships that survive longer.
Ending A Relationship After A Break
After taking a break, for some people, you start to realize that you have spent a lot of time working on their relationship and have done everything you can to keep it alive. It’s advisable to end a relationship for good if your values aren’t compatible, you frequently engage in unpleasant arguments, or you’ve been the victim of physical or emotional abuse. You may have previously broken up but kept getting back together.
A separation may help you feel better about yourself if you’ve been in a toxic relationship. Sometimes you feel like you remained because you felt obligated, but now as you look back, you regret it. This is a clear indication that, in order to be happy, your relationship needs to end.