It is a common feeling to not want to spend every moment of your day with your partner, especially in the early stages of your relationship. But there are a few people who like staying in touch with their partner at all times, and then there are others who like to get a little distant.
Desiring some personal time is completely normal and understandable. Prioritizing self-love and self-care is crucial for maintaining emotional and mental well-being.
The key is to find a healthy balance and maintaining open communication with your partner. Allowing for personal space within a relationship is a positive indication. It is reasonable for someone to ask for space, and it's important not to take offense or feel hurt if your partner expresses this need.
Does Giving Space Enhance Relationships?
When you and your partner enjoy spending a lot of time together, always staying connected and never wanting to be apart, it's still possible to feel the need for some personal space in your relationship. So, what does it mean to have space in a relationship? It could be anything from taking a break from living together to wanting to pursue different things in life.
The reasons why your partner wants space can vary, and it's important to have a conversation to understand their perspective. Don't get defensive or surprised when your partner asks for space. But how much space is normal in a relationship? You'll only know when you calmly talk to them and try to understand where they're coming from.
Why Is Personal Space Important in a Relationship?
The concept of asking for personal space in a relationship and its significance is often misunderstood by many individuals. If your partner expresses a need for space, it is crucial not to react with panic as this request is likely unrelated to you but rather a personal matter for them.
It is advisable to have a conversation before granting space in a relationship, reaching a mutual understanding, as doing so can potentially have a positive impact on the relationship. When someone asks for space, they are essentially seeking time for themselves. This time allows them to prioritize their own well-being and make sound decisions that can contribute to a healthier dynamic within the relationship.
Moreover, it is important to maintain a sense of balance when providing space for your partner. Avoid drifting too far apart or blaming them.
10 Ways to Give Space in a Relationship Without Losing Your Partner
1. Ask How Much Time They Need
This should be your first step. It is always helpful to know in advance how much time your partner will need to step back from the relationship. Once you know that your partner only needs time for a little while, it will make you feel more comfortable, and you will have hope for the future.
2. Find Out Why They Need Space
This is another helpful tip. This will give you a clear view of why they are taking space in a relationship and what they want, do they want to live in another house, do they want to pursue a different career, or do they want to talk less about your relationship? Once you know why your partner is asking for space, you will be able to give it to them.
3. Avoid Asking Too Many Questions About Needing Space
We know anyone can feel hurt or rejected when their significant other asks for space. You might have a hundred questions about why they are doing this because all you want is to be close to them. But remember, too many questions can backfire.
These questions about why they need time alone or with others can make them feel defensive. If your partner willingly tells you the reasons, then listen and understand them with no judgment. If they don’t want to explain, let them be.
4. Thank Your Partner for Being Honest
A small thank you can go a long way. By thanking them for letting you know about their need for space, you are showing your gratitude towards them. It shows you are honest with them. Also, you can encourage them to do what they need to do to meet their needs and goals and to follow their passion.
5. Give Them Healthy Space
One of the best ways to encourage your partner is by giving them the opportunity to spend time with their friends, family and themselves. The importance of a healthy space in a relationship can be seen when both partners have personal boundaries. To help your partner deal better, you could even suggest times when you both can look after yourselves only.
6. Meet Your Own Needs When You Can
When dating for a long time, we can get used to the fact that our partner has to meet our needs. We start to believe that they need to take care of us and not themselves first. But the healthy way is to make sure you can meet your own needs, from a practical and emotional point, and also give your partner the space they need for themselves.
7. Make Suggestions regarding recreational activities
One big reason behind your partner asking for space could be because they have become dependent on you. Maybe they haven’t spent time away from you and have no clue of what they like about themselves. This is when you can help them by suggesting activities and events.
But remember, instead of thinking about what you like to do, think about what your partner will like. Suggest something that suits their interest and let them live their life.
8. Honour Their Requests
When your partner asks for space, are you willing to give them space willingly and generously? By honouring your relationship, you can improve your relationship. Needing space in a relationship, and when you respect that wish, you show them you value them. If you do this, you can be assured that your relationship will be just fine.
9. Limit Your Time On Texting And Calling
The use of smartphones and messaging technology are great inventions. They give us so many opportunities to connect with our loved ones from anywhere & anytime. But too much of anything is bad, especially when needing space. So, is space good in a relationship when it comes to excessive calling and texting? I’d say even too many calls and texts can make your partner feel suffocated. So, before you pick up your phone to text your partner, you need to think again because you can be intruding on their space.
10. Do Something That Makes You Happy
So many times people get involved in their relationships so much that they neglect their interests and needs. This can cause serious health problems. This also applies to your partner. You both need to learn and start doing things for yourself.
How can Now&Me help?
Our platform, Now&Me, is a safe place that makes you feel light by writing out whatever is weighing you down. It can help you engage with others and make you look at things from a different perspective about yourself and your relationship. Become a part of the larger community and understand your relationship by seeking guidance through a relationship counselor.
When you do not understand how to give space in a relationship, sign up on Now&Me and seek online counseling for it. Be a part of a non-judgmental, inclusive, and friendly community. A platform made for you to readily ask for help and let our therapists help you understand the root cause of your issues and make you aware of how to effectively tackle them.
So, download the Now&Me app for free and cultivate a good relationship with your partner with the help of qualified experts and a loving community.
FAQs
Feeling suffocated? Are things getting to be a bit too much? It sounds like you may need some space from your partner. You don’t have to feel bad about wanting or giving space in your relationship. It is completely natural and necessary for a healthy relationship. Having space doesn’t mean going on a break or ending things; it is just simply finding time in your day to focus on you, the you that is not a wife or husband, just the you that you are by yourself.
Having some time apart is important to both people involved in a relationship and it can also benefit the relationship as a whole. Rather than being a sign that your relationship is at breaking point, it can keep your relationship from getting to breaking point. So, take as long as both people involved are comfortable.
When it comes to asking for space in a relationship, there is no specific timeline. If your partner asks for space, you should be lenient to give them all the time they need. Because being apart and participating in individual interests helps strengthen the relationship. A healthy relationship is based on trust, and individuals who seek their entertainment have better relationships than those who spend all the time together
