How long should space in a relationship last? Ultimately, this depends on what you and your partner decide is best for your relationship. “Space can be from a couple of hours to a couple of days or weeks,” says Ruiz, though he generally doesn't recommend his clients take longer than 3 to 4 weeks.
"A break could be any length of time, but past a point, it becomes a 'breakup,'" says Dr. Steinberg. "If you don't want it to be considered a 'breakup,' then the break shouldn't be more than a season, or three months long."
"Space in a relationship is normal," Jonathan Bennett, relationship and dating expert at Double Trust Dating, tells Bustle. If you need an evening alone, or want to go on a trip all by your lonesome, it certainly doesn't mean your relationship is falling apart.
Taking time apart can allow you both to think about the issues in your relationship, cool off, learn new coping strategies, and come back together with a different lens or perspective that can be difficult to have when you're together and actively fighting through your issues.
Coan advises every couple to adhere to the 70/30 rule: For the happiest, most harmonious relationship, the pro suggests spending 70% of time together, and 30% apart. That gives each of you enough freedom to explore your own interests while still being rooted and invested in your relationship.
Despite the negative feelings, 49 percent of those considering leaving still had mixed feelings about hitting the road. The researchers point out that the findings align with the reality that about 50 percent of separated couples get back together again.
If your partner says they need space, it's easy to panic and think you've done something wrong—but the truth is, a little bit of space is healthy in a relationship. Sometimes we start spending too much time together or we miss our friends or we just aren't feeling like ourselves—and space can help reset the balance.
Communicating that you may need space doesn't mean that you don't enjoy spending time with one another or that something is “wrong” in your relationship. It's healthy to be able to recognize and respect that everyone needs space from time to time, and that includes your partner and yourself.
Set a reasonable time frame
Six months is a break up, not a break, the experts say. Anything from one week to a month should be enough time for one or both parties to determine whether they should stay together.
Even ifyou were the one who initiated the split, there are five stages ofgrief that you will go through. They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, according to Mental-Health-Matters. These are the natural ways for your heart to heal.
Don't: Communicate During a Break
And in turn, it's natural to keep going back to this person. But you need this break to clear your mind and reflect. Having regular communication or even checking in with your partner will only muddy things up.
"If you are just dating casually, on the verge of a making a commitment, and 'space' means being away with no contact for undetermined periods of days/weeks, and this is something you do not enjoy, then it is a sign to re-evaluate why you are dating in the first place," Kermit says.
'" As a rough rule, two months should be a safe amount of time to broach the subject. But every relationship is different, so if it feels right earlier, go for it. If it doesn't feel right at that stage, there are a few steps you can take to build yourself up for the conversation.
In most cases, you'll need to give them several days or possibly weeks of space, depending on what happened. During this time, don't call or text them more than you agreed. If you do, they'll feel like you aren't respecting their wishes and may become more upset. If you can, ask them what they'd prefer.
When a man is asking you for space it is often a test. It is also often simply that he needs space and that is all. It's really a test of how much you care about the relationship, or about him, beyond your own needs.
Giving her space is one of the most important things that you can do to maintain your relationship with immerse benefits. You'll have a happier relationship. Your partner will be more attentive to you. You can stay sane in your relationship or dating life.
One of the major signs you should not break up is if it's hard to picture your life without them. There will always be ups and downs in a long-term relationship, but you know it's worth it if you see them as your future. “Thoughts of a future without your partner [will] feel empty and bleak,” explains Winter.
That said, reconciliation after a legal separation is not especially common. According to U.S. statistics, 87 percent of couples who legally separate eventually get a divorce, while only 13 percent choose to come back together.
What makes a relationship 'unfixable' according to experts, is when two people are no longer willing or able to commit to one another and make the relationship work. Add lockdown into the mix, and the challenge becomes just as intense.
If you're noticing yourself feeling really distant from your partner and you have less and less things in common with them, and perhaps you're just feeling disinterested or just numb or neutral towards the relationship, this is a sign that something needs to change.