When your partner asks for some space it can often feel like the weight of the world has been dropped on your shoulders or that your relationship has come to a quick end. Often one feels they don’t have control over a lot in their life, but there are some things you do have control over to help you though this time. Take care of your self. Remember to find things to help you relax, things that will help comfort you. Don’t attempt to predict the future, especially since this bomb shell was dropped on you. Gather up some of your friends to help support you emotionally. Take a look at your life, are you a good partner too? More than likely not everything is your fault, but take some responsibility and try to improve the things you can if not for this relationship for the next. Set some ground rules for the time apart, until there is a final decision you and your partner are still in a relationship. Last but certainly not least, allow yourself to feel. Feel the emotions as they come, this is devastating, especially if you think everything was going just fine in your relationship.
Key Takeaways:
- Requests for “space” or a “break” from a relationship can be heartwrenching at first and lead to soulsearching.
- It is important to try to work through relationship issues rather than try to impose a unilateral solution
- There are several self-help steps that can help couples weather separations and help empower both individuals, but especially the blindsided party.
“As much as you don’t like what’s going on in your life in this moment, try to be present anyway.”