Taking a break is one of the most challenging, frustrating, and saddening parts of a relationship. No one wants to feel as though their relationship has failed or that they themselves have somehow failed. But sometimes, a break is necessary. Not only is it necessary, sometimes, it's a good thing.
Here are eight signs that it's time to take a break from your current relationship.
1. You don't talk anymore. Do you spend time talking -- really talking -- with your partner, or do you resort to talking about the weather (or other trivial stuff) only? When you've stopped really communicating, it's time to take a break.
2. You don't spend time together. Movie night has been replaced with "guys' night." Dates are a thing of the past. Trying to pin your partner to even hang out together is like nailing Jello to the wall. If your partner does not want to spend time with you (or the reverse), it's time to take a break.
3. You fight all the time. Sure, some amount of fighting is normal in relationships. Relationships (no matter WHAT others say) are hard work. But if fighting becomes the only interaction you two have, it's time to take a break.
4. You don't have sex. Sex is a very important part of any relationship. It helps bond you to your partner, and provides a sense of intimacy. No sex = a problem. It's time to have a (gentle) conversation about it or take a break.
5. You sleep in separate bedrooms. Very few couples can survive living in separate bedrooms for very long. It's not healthy, and very little good can come of it.
6. Your relationship has more bad than good. Yes, relationships are hard. Yes, they all have unique challenges. But when you can estimate that your relationship has more bad than good, it's time to take a break and reassess how the relationship is really working for you.
7. You think about breaking up -- a lot. Once you start thinking about life without your partner often, and it doesn't make you weep, it's time to reevaluate why you two are together in the first place.
8. You're not happy. Your partner isn't happy. Happiness, my friends, is worth a lot. If your relationship doesn't make you happy and fulfilled, it's time to take a break.
What about you? What are some signs that you know it's time to take a break from a relationship?
Image via Ben Zvan/Flickr
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Comments 67
I wish I could sleep in a seperate bedroom,he turns on the tv in the middle of the night,gets up and turns the bathroom light on and flushes the toilet just to pee.Then he bounces the bed when he gets into it. Makes the bedroom smell like poop sometimes to. The biggest thing makin me want to walk out is the fact that he doesn't seem to love the kids,due to his yelling at them and never trying ask how their day was,or not standing by them when their in trouble. Right now as it is my kids have a bad relationship with their dad and it's causing a big riff in our home.
The article does not say break up it says take a break. Maybe to re-evaluate the relationship. Now like the other poster stated, it should have suggestions and just how to do go about doing that.
This article fails to point out that there is a difference in the level of comittment between a married couple and a "just dating" couple.
These may be indicative of a dating relationship calling it quits, but to spouses this article should instead be about spurring you on to fixing your problem. In a marriage this "phase" pops up at least once, and sometimes more times in your married life. Rallying around it to be stronger on the other side is what makes those really rich happy marriages what they are.
i think that taking a break ...means its over...you don't take a break from marriage because you made a vow...but if you think you need a break its really saying i am done...after 29 years...not always living even in the same state...when i got to the point...it went straight to divorce...then i met a great guy...that i knew as a friend for over 30+ years and ...it was great...but then...my ex wanted me back and i thought well lets get back...i never should have gone back...because it does not work....you lose the passion that you had...and even if you do love that person..passion is something that has to be there love is not enough...