Taking a Break in a Relationship to Fix a Struggling Relationship

The idea of the relationship is fantasized in popular culture to such an extent that singles are starting to question their personal existence. 

Undeniably, a relationship with the right person would always make you feel on cloud nine.

Nonetheless, for what reasons, the phrase ‘taking a break in a relationship’ is misinterpreted by the majority as a lily-livered way to end a relationship.

For the uninitiated, what does taking a break mean in a relationship?

But often, in a conflict-ridden relationship, taking a break from a relationship becomes important for couples to help them have room for processing their thoughts and emotions, and for thinking about their future. 

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But, if the break-span is taken seriously, it will generate fruitful results at the completion of the decided time frame. There are different stages of a relationship break, and if done right, it can lead to self-discovery and growth. 

Stop viewing ‘taking a break’ from your loved one as a deadly sin but rather, consider it as a supreme blessing. 

So, does taking a break from a relationship work? While taking a break in a relationship may not always prove to be a good thing, for some, it can help in bringing a derailed relationship back on track.

In cases of an irreparably toxic relationship, a break can serve as a soft launch into a permanent separation.

Dr. Jennifer Schulz, PhD in Psychology, says, 

If the relationship can be repaired, a break can serve as a cooling-off period where both people in the partnership have an opportunity to process their emotions and make changes before coming back together stronger. 

Nevertheless, here is why taking a break in a relationship to fix your problems is a good idea if you are both willing to work hard on saving the relationship.

1. It’s healthy for both of you

At some point in time, relationships can get ugly and messy.

Couples will start to heap the entire blame on each other without giving a second thought. Mere assumptions, endless fights, nagging doubts will hover over your relationship. 

At such a vulnerable point in a relationship, do breaks help relationships?

Rather than ending the relationship on a bad note which can seriously impair your overall well-being, it’s better to opt for taking a break in a relationship.  

Everyone needs solitude at one point. Hence, the break-span will give you room for self-reflection and will allow you to become more self-aware.

Separating yourselves from each other will allow you to think clearly without anything to cloud your judgment.

Always be mindful of the fact that in a relationship, your mental health should be at peace first and then the rest, period. Taking a break from a relationship to find yourself is an act of self-preservation. This also answers the question, “are breaks in a relationship healthy?” 

Related Reading: How to Recognize and Overcome a Struggling Relationship

2. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Parting ways and going on a hunt for another significant other is not what taking a break in a relationship is.

Rather, it’s about assembling your thoughts, reshaping your perspectives about your loved one, while taking a break from marriage or a relationship.

So, do breaks in relationships work?

Being apart from each other for a while makes your heart grow fonder for your loved one.

Soon enough, the two of you will realize that you can’t live without each other because how long will the couple go without exchanging stories over a cup of tea at the end of the day, playing with her hair, having a playful banter or making breakfast together on a Sunday Morning.

Spare a minute and think about elderly people saying ‘ One never realizes the importance of something/someone unless it’s gone.

3. You get time to reflect

The break-span will give the couples adequate room to get over exasperation and agitation. So, the answer to the question of whether taking a break in a relationship is good lies in the affirmative. 

Stacking up bitter feelings and letting misunderstandings take root while being in a relationship will bring no good to either of the two.

When distanced from each other, the couples will be able to focus on things that went wrong rather than jumping to conclusions.

This begs the question: how to make a relationship stronger after a breakup?

Talking is the key to eradicating barriers.

Therefore, the distance, space, and time, while taking a break in a relationship, will refuel love and tenderness in both parties, which will let them talk it all out in a calm and composed manner.

Being good listeners, having a better understanding of the significant other, and engaging in stimulating conversations will become a part of the relationship again, because of the fondness that has been rekindled.

4. You can discover who you are

When the two parties cut off communication, there is a temporary stop on tagging each other on memes, calling each other when anything happens, or looking forward to a candlelight dinner. 

So, what to do during a break in a relationship? Get to know who you are as a person, separate from your identity as a partner in a relationship. Pursue your interests, explore new hobbies, and visit your friends and family.

Alongside this, aim to take time apart to strengthen the relationship by figuring out if and how your relationship problems can be resolved.

Dr. Schulz says, 

A break should be an opportunity to better yourself while also thinking about how the relationship can be healed. 

Most importantly, make a few relationship break rules and abide by them.

Taking a break from marriage while living together or a close, long-standing relationship requires a couple to come to terms with mutually agreed-upon rules on how to take a break in a relationship.

Whether it is communication during a relationship break, sex, or money, following the mutually negotiated basic guidelines can teach couples to try and stay together by giving them a taste of the alternative.

While taking a break in a relationship, the realistic time frame and distance will make you realize what you want.  

• Is being in a relationship with your significant other healthy for you?
• Is this the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?
• Are you setting the bar too high for your loved one?
• Is the relationship making you stressed instead of destressing?  

The two parties will come to terms with themselves and will explore their true inner self during this break.

Take a break, not to play around, and look forward to getting in bed with other people, but rather, scrutinize yourself in a better way.

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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