The question is, do breaks actually work?
For others, a temporary break can sometimes turn into a permanent split.
Do Breaks in Relationships Work?
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In some situations,taking a breakin a relationship can be a healthy way to preserve the connection.
Such breaks can provide opportunities for growth that may help once a couple chooses to recommence the relationship.
Your relationship might not follow a perfectly linear path, but that doesnt mean that its doomed to fail.
There are times when we need to be apart to be more in touch with ourselves.
Spending time apart gives you the space to think about what you want individually and together.
Time apart may also help you determine if the relationship is something that will be part of your future.
A break may be helpful when the two of you cant successfully interrupt destructive dynamics.
Changing habits of interaction requires you to inhibit, or stop, your old habitual behaviors.
Sometimes to get to do this, you need a break for a re-set.
While you might opt to maintain a long-term relationship, this doesnt always work for everyone.
Discuss this openly and be clear about expectations, especially as regards other romantic/sexual connections, Ford notes.
How Often Do Couples Take Breaks?
How often do people take breaks in relationships?
Statistics are hard to come by and many of those available may not necessarily reflect current trends.
Taking breaks doesn’t just happen among dating couples.
How long should a break in a relationship last?
The length of a break depends on your relationship and the reasons you’re doing it.
Also, check that that you lean on the othersupportive people in your lifeduring your time apart.
Establish Ground Rules
Having ground rules during a break is essential.
You both need to establish what is acceptable behavior during this time.
Is it OK to date other people?
Or have sex with others?
For example, you better decide if being on break means that you are single.
“Even if you are considering leaving, you have been in a caring relationship with each other.
Ford notes that following the rules that you have agreed upon is essential.
While you are apart, use the time to reflect on your feelings, goals, and desires.
Kathyrn Ford, MD
This is a time of learning.
Pay attention to your feelings and thoughts, especially about this relationship.
Talk about what you learned during your time apart and how that might affect your relationship going forward.
In other cases, you both might agree that ending the relationship for good is the best option.
Before you take a break, communicate your expectations and set a time limit.
2020;46(3):385-398. doi:10.1111/jmft.12419
