Signs a Break Is Helpful
In some cases, taking a break from your relationship can be helpful. However, sometimes you may just be postponing the inevitable. Here we take a look at the signs which may help you decide if a break would be helpful to your relationship or if it might bring an end to it.
1. You two have been fighting a lot recently
Occasionally, we get in a rut of fighting with no seeming end. It may be that the two of you are under stress and get no time to decompress and collect yourselves before the next stressful situation arises. In that case, a break can help you rejuvenate and clear your thoughts.
2. You can't prioritize your relationship right now
If you have a lot of stress outside your relationship, you may just not have the energy needed to repair things with your partner until you deal with those outside issues. Taking a break can give you the time to deal with external matters so you can, in turn, focus on repairing your relationship. Just keep in mind how things were when you didn't have those external issues pressing down on you. However, it is worth noting that you needed to get away from your partner when things got tough, instead of turning to them for support.
3. Things are moving too fast in the relationship
If you're feeling like things are just moving lightning quick and you start getting cold feet, how long a break should last will largely depend on how much time you need to make things slow down to a manageable pace. The important thing is to try to isolate whether it is just a fear of change or whether you really don't want to proceed any deeper with your relationship in the future.
4. You're having too many problems in the relationship
You can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the things that seem to be going wrong. It can even be challenging to have a rational conversation when there are so many problems that need to be addressed. Often, if we take some time to ourselves, we can get our thoughts in order and list what we need to focus on first. A break lets you talk calmly with your partner at a later time so you can discuss all those issues without tempers flaring up.
5. Your partner has cheated on you
Cheating can be one of the most poisonous things in a relationship. It undermines trust and can permanently damage the wronged partner's feelings. What is almost always certain is that it will take time to heal those feelings, if they can be healed at all. Seeing your partner daily while you are trying to process those emotions can rekindle your hurt and anger and prevent you from processing your emotions. While it is risky, a break might be the only thing that can save a relationship after a partner cheats. At least you will be able to make an honest assessment of the pros and cons of staying together and make an informed, rational decision on whether to stay.
Tip: How Long Should a Break Last?
A break should be between a week and a month. That should be plenty of time to work through whatever you need to. Any longer than that, and it will start becoming an actual breakup. Make sure and agree upon the time frame in advance and stick to it, even if you change your mind halfway through. That does not mean communicating regularly though, but you don't need to have a full break. Also, avoid seeing other people as that can cloud the waters while you are trying to think through this on your own.
Signs a Break Might End Your Relationship
1. You two have a lack of trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. You may find, for whatever reason, that trust has been eroded. Perhaps your partner has lied to you repeatedly, or maybe they are undependable and don't follow through with promises. Regardless of the reason, if you don't have basic trust, you don't really have much of a relationship to begin with.
2. You have wanted to leave for a long time
If you find yourself not even caring about how long is too long for a break, maybe it isn't a break you need after all. Sometimes it is just easier to stay in a bad relationship than be on your own. At least it can seem that way. But this is your life, and you only get one. If you feel you should just go, maybe you should.
3. You don't see a future with your partner
Sometimes things just don't work out. Maybe you have fallen out of love. Maybe you two still get along, but there isn't any spark left. Conversely, perhaps you've only grown to know your partner better, and you've found out you two just aren't compatible.
First, ask yourself whether a break will be helpful and then decide how long a break should last, in case it ruined your relationship. If you think there is something in the relationship worth saving, then it's worth a try.