

{"id":78897,"date":"2022-06-29T15:00:31","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T15:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=78897"},"modified":"2024-10-11T12:49:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T12:49:19","slug":"communication-during-relationship-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/communication-during-relationship-break\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Handle Communication During a Relationship Break"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-78900\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/New-Project-2022-06-29T202109.577.jpg\" alt=\"Couple in front of green van \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens when the words start to fade and space feels like the only solution?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you approach communication during a relationship break without making things worse?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding to pause a relationship is a complex and emotional choice, often seen as a step towards clarity and understanding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether this means reflecting in solitude or maintaining limited contact, the nature of communication during a relationship break can significantly influence both the process and the outcome.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide offers essential advice on navigating these conversations with empathy, ensuring that this pause can be as healing as intended, without losing respect or love for each other.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-ask-for-a-break-in-a-relationship\"><\/span><b>How to ask for a break in a relationship?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you determine that you need a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/break-in-a-relationship-rules\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> break in your relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you should be open and honest with your partner about how you feel and why you require your own space.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently, you should tell them the issues that have arisen between you two and ways they may be able to mend these rifts.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you feel like your mate isn&rsquo;t appreciating everything you do for them and your family, expressing it clearly might help. Furthermore, it would help if you decided together how long the break will be and when you will be discussing the situation further.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be a good idea to have this breakup talk where you hash things out and then stop communication during a relationship break until you are ready to start your relationship again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-it-okay-to-communicate-during-a-break\"><\/span><b>Is it okay to communicate during a break?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, if you have decided to take a break in your relationship, it might be a good idea not to communicate when you are apart from your mate. The only reason you should communicate is if you need to talk about the care of your children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any personal conversations can wait until you are ready to be together again, or once you determine that the relationship is no longer viable, you break up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;<\/b><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5411291\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows that your current satisfaction and the ideas you have related to how satisfied you will be in the future, in terms of your relationship, are what most people use to judge their happiness level with their mate.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this reason, you may already know how you want to handle your relationship once you take a break from your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-much-should-you-communicate-during-a-break-up\"><\/span><b>How much should you communicate during a break-up?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you take a break, you might consider taking a complete<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/break-the-cycle-of-negative-communication-in-your-marriage\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">break from communication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This may allow you and your partner to determine what you want to do regarding your relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you have issues within your partnership, this also gives you an opportunity to work through these things and, if necessary, fix certain behaviors.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are both willing to work on problems together, accept that you make mistakes, and continue to work through disagreements, there&rsquo;s a chance you may be able to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintain a healthy relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dos-and-don%E2%80%99ts-of-communication-during-a-breakup\"><\/span><b>Dos and don&rsquo;ts of communication during a breakup<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-78899\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/New-Project-2022-06-29T202134.013.jpg\" alt=\"Sad woman confronting other woman \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have decided that you are going on a break in a relationship, there are a few rules you will need to follow that might make this separation work best for both of you. Make sure you state ahead of time that you don&rsquo;t want communication during a relationship break.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Do follow a no-contact rule<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is necessary that you should have no contact during a relationship break. This might allow both you and your mate the time to think about everything you need to ponder.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides, things may make more sense when you are away from the situation than when you have to see and talk to your mate daily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/jenni-jacobsen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Jennifer Jacobsen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, PhD in psychology, states:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have contact during a break, it won&rsquo;t be much of a break at all. You both need time to process your feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/no-contact-rule-female-psychology\/\" title=\"16 Things to Know About the No Contact Rule Female Psychology\">16 Things to Know About the No Contact Rule Female Psychology<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>2. Do speak with friends<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the many things to do during a breakup or when you are on a break is to stay social. This means talking to friends that you trust, who may be able to help you change your perspective on what is going on with your relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, they might be able to offer advice, tell you stories, or cheer you up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Do talk to someone about your feelings<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Something else you may want to consider is talking to a therapist about your relationship break.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/therapy\/how-to-find-the-best-therapist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A therapist<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can advise you on why you should refrain from checking in during a break and how to handle your separation appropriately. You may want to work on yourself when you are on a break.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Do wait until you&rsquo;re ready to talk again<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you agree that there should be little to no communication during a relationship break, you might work through all the problems you need to since there will be radio silence between you and your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, when you have reached a pre-appointed time or after several days, you can meet up to talk to each other again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Don&rsquo;t talk on social media<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also includes social media when you are dedicated to no communication during a relationship break. You should try your best to stay off of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/social-media-ruins-relationships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social media<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sites, especially if your partner is friends with many of your friends.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&nbsp;<\/b><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35512731\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that taking a break from social media may lead to less anxiety and feeling better about yourself.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Don&rsquo;t answer their texts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, should you talk during a break? The answer is no. When you can withhold communication from each other for a while, there&rsquo;s likely no way either party will be able to persuade the other to get back together before they are ready to do so.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, when you aren&rsquo;t in communication with each other, you will have the opportunity to realize that you miss them or that you want to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-accept-and-move-on-from-a-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move on from your current relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/texting-relationships\/\" title=\"What You Need to Know About Texting Relationships\">What You Need to Know About Texting Relationships<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>7. Don&rsquo;t text them first<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes texting when you specify you don&rsquo;t want communication during a relationship break.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your mate texts you, this doesn&rsquo;t mean that you have to text back, especially if you agreed upon the break rules beforehand. Both of you should respect the stipulations enough to follow them.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-get-someone-to-stop-texting-you\/\" title=\"How to Tell Someone to Stop Texting You: 27 Ways\">How to Tell Someone to Stop Texting You: 27 Ways<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>8. Don&rsquo;t meet up to talk<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Something else you should remember when you withhold communication during a relationship break is that you shouldn&rsquo;t meet up to talk until the time is right.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the end of the break period, it may be appropriate to sit down and talk about your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/expectations-in-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expectations for the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You should know what you want and expect, and you can talk about these ideas together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-to-do-during-a-relationship-break-8-steps\"><\/span><b>What to do during a relationship break? 8 steps<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-78898\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/New-Project-2022-06-29T202200.901.jpg\" alt=\"Sad woman having coffee\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33983755\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2021 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates that the end of a relationship is not always something that has a significant impact on a person. So, breaking up may not be the worst thing if that&rsquo;s what you decide to do.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship break can be a pivotal time for personal growth and clarity. It&rsquo;s an opportunity to reassess your needs and desires independently, while considering the dynamics of communication during a relationship break.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some actionable tips on how to navigate this period thoughtfully and effectively:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Take time for self-reflection<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use this period away from your partner to honestly assess your feelings, desires, and the issues that led to the break. Reflect on what changes could be beneficial for both your personal growth and the relationship&rsquo;s health. Journaling, therapy, or just quiet contemplation can be useful tools during this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;This is my time to understand my true feelings and desires without outside influence.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/self-awareness-self-reflection\/\" title=\"10 Ways Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Help a Relationship\">10 Ways Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Help a Relationship<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>2. Pursue personal interests and hobbies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reconnect with activities and hobbies you enjoy. Engaging in personal interests not only boosts your mood but also brings a renewed sense of self which is crucial during a break. Whether it&rsquo;s painting, hiking, reading, or other activities, focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled independently of your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Engaging in what I love restores my spirit and reminds me who I am beyond this relationship.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>3. Spend time with friends and family<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Social support is vital, providing not only distraction but also perspective from those who know you well and have your best interests at heart. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with trusted ones can help you navigate your emotions more clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;The support of my loved ones gives me strength and perspective during this challenging time.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>4. Set personal goals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A break is a good opportunity to set new personal goals unrelated to your relationship. These could be related to your career, health, or personal development. Achieving goals during this time can boost your confidence and help you realize that you can be happy and successful on your own.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Setting and achieving my own goals proves I can thrive independently.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>5. Consider professional guidance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find it challenging to cope with the break or need help understanding your thoughts and feelings, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can offer valuable insights and strategies to manage your emotions and make constructive decisions during this period.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Seeking help is a step towards healing and understanding myself better.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>6. Stay physically active<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining or starting a physical routine can greatly benefit your mental and emotional health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. Whether it&rsquo;s yoga, running, or gym workouts, keeping active is a positive way to channel your energy and emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Every step I run, every weight I lift, is building a stronger, more resilient me.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h3><b>7. Avoid rash decisions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a break, it&rsquo;s crucial to avoid making major decisions impulsively. Whether it&rsquo;s about ending the relationship or making large commitments, give yourself time to think things through thoroughly. Rash decisions can sometimes lead to regrets, especially when made under emotional stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;I will think things through calmly and patiently to make decisions that I won&rsquo;t regret.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about how to take wise decisions in your life:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X7j8F16eSqs?si=tyrO5U2T8hiLJH30\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Reflect on communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you communicate during a break? This is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of what will benefit your emotional and mental well-being. Checking in during a break might be necessary for some, especially if it brings clarity or reassurance to the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remind yourself: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Deciding if and how to communicate during this break will help me maintain my emotional health.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these steps can help you make the most out of a relationship break, allowing for personal growth and clearer understanding of what you want from your partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/quotes-on-communication-and-relationships\/\" title=\"100 Important Quotes on Communication and Relationships\">100 Important Quotes on Communication and Relationships<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaway\"><\/span><b>Takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship break is a pause, not an end, providing valuable space for personal growth and clarity. Effective communication during a relationship break is crucial&mdash;it can define the future of your partnership.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the break leads to a renewed connection or a respectful separation, the way you communicate should always be grounded in honesty and empathy. Remember, this period is about gaining insight into your own needs as well as understanding your partner&rsquo;s perspective.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By maintaining clear and compassionate communication during a relationship break, you ensure that whatever outcome arises, it is approached with mutual respect and a deep understanding of each other&rsquo;s desires and boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What happens when the words start to fade and space feels like the only solution?&nbsp; How do you approach communication during a relationship break without making things worse?&nbsp; Deciding to pause a relationship is a complex and emotional choice, often seen as a step towards clarity and understanding.&nbsp; Whether this means reflecting in solitude or maintaining limited contact, the nature of communication during a relationship break can significantly influence both the process and the outcome.&nbsp; This guide offers essential advice on navigating these conversations with empathy, ensuring that this pause can be as healing as intended, without losing respect or <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":675,"featured_media":78900,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[2516],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78897"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78897"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78897\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104976,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78897\/revisions\/104976"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78897"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}