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When your partner announces that they need space, it can set off alarm bells.
But it doesnt mean something is wrong or that they want to break up with you.
Being a couple involves balancing together time and alone time.
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Taking time apart is healthy and can help your relationship thrive.
Reasons Your Partner Might Want Space
There are various reasons why your partner could be distancing.
It might very well have nothing to do with you.
Lets say your partner is spending more time with theirchildhood friends.
You might feel youre being pushed away.
Maybe theyre having a problem with their sibling and they want their close friends perspective.
They might need a breather to get perspective about what they want.
Maybe youre ready to move in together and theyre not sure they are there yet.
Or maybe they just need to get theirequilibriumback.
If you sense theyre upset after a fight with you, they could be avoiding furtherconflictwith you.
Having space can help people regulate their emotions.
A scientific studylooked at the ways solitude impacted self-regulation.
Evidence also showed people have reducedstressand increased relaxation during these alone periods.
That could explain why during relationships, one person might crave space.
And its unnerving if your partner hasnt said anything, but is not around much as of late.
Here are suggestions on healthy ways you should and should not handle the situation.
For new relationships, however, a partners taking a break could be ared flag.
You dont know each other well and are not in a committed partnership.
Their disappearance could signal that the person is bailing.
Are theyghostingyou, evading you, or being inconsiderate and focused on doing their own thing?
Lets say youve dated exclusively for six months.
Suddenly hearing nothing from your significant other for one whole week becomes problematic.Communication in relationshipsis very important.
Their desire for space and lack of discussion about it can easily sever relationships.
Results showed that couples who spent a larger proportion of their time talking together reported greater satisfaction.
They also viewed their relationship as having more positive qualities and experienced greater closeness than the other couples.
Having differing needs for space and closeness doesnt mean youre a mismatch.
Your partner looks hurt and rejected.
You might reassure them by saying, I just need space to decompress.
How about you give me 20 minutes in bed to play some music and chill?
Then, lets talk downstairs!
Needing space doesnt have to cause concern.
When couples carve out private time to rest and recharge, they are promoting wellness.
Giving each other space can refresh your relationship and make your bond even stronger.
Nguyen TT, Ryan RM, Deci EL.Solitude as an Approach to Affective Self-Regulation.Pers Soc Psychol Bull.
2021;43(3):226-233. doi:10.1007/s10591-020-09562-6
