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There are certain times when your relationship just needs to breathe a little bit. You’re still interested in being with your partner, but things are either moving too fast or they need some space in order to work. This is not at all uncommon. Even though these situations don’t require a formal break up, you’ll still have to agree on an arrangement that will allow you to spend some time away from one another. Going through a "break" period is very difficult and it’s often a couples’ last resort. Although many won’t get through it, those who succeed will find that their relationship has become stronger than ever.
The best way to go about initiating a break is to just put everything out in the open. Both parties need to know where the relationship stands. By talking things over and figuring out which direction you need to take, you and your partner can be clear on what the future holds. A lack of communication is the main reason why people never come out of these "breaks" and the break essentially turns into a break up. In many cases, one party will interpret this request for time apart as an actual break up and their subsequent actions will likely end the relationship permanently.
If your partner initiated the break, make sure to give them as much time and space as they need. Many people make the potentially fatal mistake of holding on too tight or not allowing natural space to take place. This is a sure way to drive a spike into your relationship and it will only make things worse. Take your time, be optimistic, and continue to remind yourself that that this will only strengthen your relationship in the long run. In the mean time, enjoy your break from the realm of relationships and relax…just remember to follow the rules.

(On October 6th, 2008 at 7:36 pm)
my son is in a relationship that he is not happy. the problem is, she is very happy and does not know that he is not. he is a very caring person and would rather hurt himself then others, which is why he is still with her. he doesnt know how to tell her and worries about her feelings. i have told him he just needs to be honest but he cant seem to bring himself to do this. he says he loves her but she is definatly not the one he wants to be with forever. she is 22, and he is 23. they are not married but do have a 2 year old together. any suggestions? thanks for reading!
(On December 11th, 2008 at 11:59 am)
my bf asked for a break like 3 weeks ago because he needs to get some stuffs done and i agree we still talk but i dont know how is this going to turn out i really love him and he said he also do, but its like omg im confused dont know what to do.
(On March 9th, 2009 at 3:58 am)
My partner requested for a break, after initiating a break up. We were in LDR relationship for a year and had our issues. But things were not so bad to me, but to him were quite unacceptable. His reason for the break is to need sometime away to find out whether he can start our relationship anew. At the first few days, he still checks up on me. So before I left his city, I told him that i am very sad over this break and wished that we could just skip it. He responded very negatively, saying that i am like a person holding a merchandise for a customer and at the same time willing to sell it to any other interested buyer. I told him that it's not what i meant. So I said my goodbye for the night. Haven't heard from him since then. He didn't call me back or return my sms. Are we still on a break or reached a break up point?