Ease the transition with our expert-approved tips
If you and your partner have been going through a rough patch lately, you might be considering taking a break. Taking a break can help you both take some much-needed time and space apart, but the logistics of it can get complicated when you live together. Fortunately, there are ways that you can take a break from your partner, even if you are still cohabitating. Keep reading to learn how you can make your relationship break just a little bit easier.
Things You Should Know
- Have 1 person stay with friends, family or at a hotel. Alternatively, you might split the time away and at home with your partner, so it’s fair.
- When you’re home, act as though you're roommates rather than partners by speaking only when necessary and spending time in separate rooms.
- Set healthy boundaries, like not being allowed to see other people during your break, so things don’t get complicated.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan you break up and still live together?Allen Wagner is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles, California. He received his Master's in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2004. He specializes in working with individuals and couples on ways they can improve their relationships. Along with his wife, Talia Wagner, he's the author of Married Roommates.Possibly, but it's important to consider all angles. Chances are, a long-term relationship breaking off will leave at least one person feeling hurt and disappointed, which can make the living situation tense.
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Tips
- If you and your partner are having problems, a couple’s counselor may be able to help.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Allen Wagner, MFT, MA. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a26075763/taking-a-break-relationship/
- ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/taking-a-break-in-a-relationship
- ↑ https://www.thrivetherapyla.com/blog/2020/3/12/how-to-take-a-break-from-your-relationship
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201601/is-the-difference-between-breakup-and-break
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201601/is-the-difference-between-breakup-and-break
- ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/taking-a-break-in-a-relationship
- ↑ Allen Wagner, MFT, MA. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/valley-girl-brain/201404/does-your-relationship-need-break
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/valley-girl-brain/201404/does-your-relationship-need-break
- ↑ Allen Wagner, MFT, MA. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201601/is-the-difference-between-breakup-and-break
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