Relationship breaks can either be a healthy distancing tactic, or they can be a red flag for an impending breakup. When he tells you that he wants to take a break from the relationship you may be confused, scared and concerned about the relationship. Guys usually will suggest taking a break for two reasons: he wants to enjoy his alone time and time out with friends, or he wants to see someone else casually. Find out why guys really want to take a relationship break and what it means for you.
He is interested in a casual relationship with someone else
The most common reason anyone wants to take a break from the relationship is in order to pursue other people and get a taste of what’s out there. Guys are looking to see if you are the best match for him. He may go on a couple dates and see where they lead. Typically, if no date’s compare to what he has with you he will attempt to rekindle your relationship until he finds someone else. When you get to this stage, taking a relationship break to date others, you are normally at the end of the relationship between the two of you and dating may be more of a convenience factor. Ask him his intentions when taking a break as getting back together after he pursues other girls is not a healthy relationship for you.
He just wants his space
During college, I lived with my girlfriend of two-years and her friends in an apartment. In the beginning, it was great because I was able to see her everyday and I got closer to her friends. However, after several months, I learned how mean girls get to one another and I felt suffocated with my girlfriend because of the constant contact. Think back to when you first dating him. Wasn’t everything so mysterious and exciting? When you start dating for a while, you lose that mystery and excitement because of constant contact. If he wants a break from the relationship to pursue his own interests and get space, it is healthy and he isn’t looking to be with someone else. Typically, this type of break will not lead to a breakup since he’s not looking for someone else, but rather just wants some personal time.
Benefits of a relationship break
If you and your boyfriend decide to take a break from your relationship, use the time to pursue your own passions. Too often, I see people trying to date other people during a break. If you want to see someone else. just break up rather than taking a break. However, a break can give you some space to pursue that painting class he would never go to with you, or just reconnecting with your friends you haven’t seen since college.
Negatives of a relationship break
How many relationship breaks do you see in new and fun relationships? Zero. Breaks happen because something in the relationship was just too much for him or you. Guys typically either need space or want to date other girls casually. This can be very difficult for you, especially when he starts enjoying his freedom and maybe the company of someone else. Either way, this will create a strain on your relationship if you decide to continue dating.