“I want a break.” It has become quite a famous phrase in modern relationships. This is considered something less serious than a breakup but more serious than a fight. Being in a relationship can sometimes feel like you’ve lost your individual self, so demanding space might feel like the right thing to do. But if not communicated well, taking a break can hurt your partner’s feelings and potentially stress you out and affect the emotional health of both. So let’s see if asking for a break in relationships is a healthy practice or not.
Relationships are an essential part of life, but they can also be difficult at times. Many people go through periods of uncertainty, doubt, or stress in their relationships, and it’s not uncommon for them to consider walking away from their partner. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this practice.
Benefits of taking a break from a relationship
“What makes the break healthy or not is the reason for the break. If there are reasons that cause a person to neglect their relationship, or if it is necessary to focus on other big goals personal, so making the choice to take a break can be healthy,” says Dr. Kamna Chhibber, a clinical psychologist at Fortis Hospital. She adds that “it also depends on how the same is communicated and how the two people maintain their interactions and behaviors with each other”.
There are several reasons why someone may choose to take a break from their relationship. Some of the benefits of taking a break include:
1. Reflection space: Taking a break can give a person the space they need to reflect on their relationship and decide if it’s the right one for them.
2. Time for personal growth: A breakup in a relationship can be an opportunity to focus on personal growth and development.
3. Less stress: If a relationship is causing stress or tension, taking a break can ease those feelings and help individuals rejuvenate.
4. Opportunity to miss each other: Sometimes taking a break can help partners appreciate each other more and recognize the value of their relationship.
Disadvantages of taking a break from a relationship
“Breaking up can become unhealthy when it’s a suggested mechanism after every little argument or when it’s clear that you don’t want to be with your partner but don’t want to become the bad guy by breaking up,” says Dr Chhibber. Some of the risks of taking a break include:
1. Misunderstandings: Taking a break can lead to misunderstandings and confusion about the status of the relationship.
2. Jealousy: If a partner starts dating other people during the break, it can cause jealousy and resentment.
3. Communication failure: If communication is not maintained during the breakup, it can cause a rift in the relationship.
4. Absence of closure: Taking a break can lead to a lack of closure, leaving both partners feeling unresolved.
Is it healthy to take a break from relationships?
Taking a break from a relationship can be a healthy practice if done correctly. It can provide individuals with space for personal growth and reflection, reducing stress and helping to rejuvenate. However, it is essential to communicate clearly with your partner and set limits on what is allowed and what is not allowed during this time to avoid misunderstandings and further damage the relationship. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that a breakup is not a solution to problems within a relationship and the underlying issues must be addressed directly.
