โWE WERE ON A BREAKโ, we’d laugh our heads off at this phrase, knowing where it originates from, were Ross and Rachel from FRIENDS on a break? There are a lot of sides to this story as Rachel wanted a break and Ross assumed it was a break-up so he slept with Chloe. The lack of communication caused this problem. If Rachel had informed clearly about the โbreakโ, maybe Ross would have considered not cheating.
So now when we think of breaks in a relationship, they are meant to have clarity from both partners. How to decide if to take a break or not? Is taking a break in a relationship healthy? How long should the break last? How to know if the break from a partner would make things better or worse?
As with any good coin, relationship breaks can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the circumstances of the relationship. Taking a break can be one way to maintain a strong and healthy relationship, but it can also lead to the end of one. There are some ground rules for taking a break in a relationship.
What Does โTaking a Breakโ Mean?
Sometimes, the relationship can get overwhelming and burdensome. These are the times taking a break would be beneficial.
Taking a break from the relationship means you do not officially break-up with your partner but you relieve yourself from the relationship. You distance yourself from your partner. Analyse the relationship, focus on yourself in the meantime and get back to the relationship when you are ready to commit again.
It is like a pause in the relationship with the possibility of a play again.
The break may be the time when both the partners believe in their relationship again and start afresh. On the contrary, the break may also make it clear to them that they are not meant for each other and may lead to an official break-up. Either way, the break may be required if the relationship is becoming uncomfortable.
Tips for Taking a Pause
Take the following aspects into account when agreeing to take a break:
1. Understand your reason:
If you are considering taking a break, the first question to ask yourself should be why. Does the break have any benefits, can it help you grow personally, or is it just a temporary break-up with your partner.
2. Communicate clearly
In case you decide to take a break from the relationship, make sure that you communicate it clearly. Consult your partner about a convenient time to discuss this important topic. State clearly of your desire to take a break. Your partner deserves an explanation, hence, provide logical reasons for wanting a break. Also, make sure you listen to him or her. Reach a mutual decision. Avoid taking a break on a bad note, that may cause a final end to the relationship.
3. Work out the logistics
As soon as both partners agree to take a break, talk about setting the boundaries such as : how you will handle the break, will you be meeting new people, going on dates, determining the duration of the break, how things will be after the break, the extent of communication during the breakย
Clarity while taking this decision will help avoid unwanted complications, expectations and misunderstandings.
4. Clear intentions
Make your intentions clear about whether you see a probability of getting back together after the break. If you have decided you do not want the relationship, say so and end it for good. Proposing a break only to keep your partner clueless about your real intentions would damage your relationship.
5. Work on self
A relationship gets you habituated to having a companion, hence, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and lonely when you take a break, but this is the period for self-care, self-love, and self-discovery. Where you can introspect,spend some alone time, pamper yourself, maybe set your priorities rightย
6. A different perspective:
You might gain a new understanding of your relationship if you take some time away from one another. A good break might help you evaluate your relationship from a different perspective. If you have grown distant, you might gain a more clear sense of how things are working. It may also give you insight into what you really want from your partner or how you can make changes in yourself to be a better partner yourself.
7. Explore other possibilities:
Taking a break should be the go-to option. If the relationship is going through a rough patch, think about talking about your problems to each other. Use various techniques to identify and overcome the problems you are facing. It has been observed, some arguments can also provide solutions. Hence, do not hesitate to argue with your partner. Consider couple therapy if required.
8. Disconnect to connect
It is possible to neglect your friends or family members when you are involved in a relationship, but a break may give you the opportunity to reconnect with them.
Breaks can help your relationship in some cases, but they also result in a breakup. You should work through your problem when you believe you are with the right one, and if you feel that things are getting out of hand, you can always seek couples therapy.
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