How to react when your partner says he “needs space”?

After you’ve been in a relationship for a while, you hear your partner asking you to take a break to have “more space.” How should you react to this announcement? Here’s advice from life coach Mitzi Bockmann.

What does the expression “I need space” mean?

According to the expert, this expression is most often uttered by women and it can be confusing for their partners.Often they don’t know what to do next,” explains the life coach.Is this a physical or metaphorical request? Sometimes some people think they are passing a test when faced with this request and are afraid of failing.”.

Of course, when someone asks for space, it’s easy to understand that they actually want to break up. But not always, according to Mitzi Bockmann.Most of the time, when a woman asks for space, she really means she feels the need to step back and take some time to evaluate what’s going on. It means she’s listening to her gut and only wants to move forward if things feel right.”

What to do if your partner asks you for space?

The expert then reveals the ways to react to this request. For her, there are several ways to go about it. It is therefore necessary to:

• Ask the origin of this need : by asking why your partner needs space, you will be better able to understand how to respond next;
• Ask to specify your request : should you disappear? Should you stay, but not ask him any questions? This will let you know what to expect;
• Do not try to dissuade the other : trying to rush things (to resolve them immediately, without giving him the necessary time) will only make the situation worse;
• Do what you are asked to do : if your partner asks you not to contact him for a certain period of time, respect his request. After this period, you will be able to see things more clearly;
• Remind him that you remain available : Taking time out doesn’t mean you have to cut ties. It’s important to remind the other person that you’re still available to talk if needed.
• Don’t go too far : If you are going through a period like this with your partner, make sure to stay close by, so that you are fully available when he or she is ready to talk;
• Not seeing other people : Taking a break does not mean that the relationship is over. Even if you feel lonely and want to live your life too, meeting other people during this critical time would be wrong. Be patient and see how things evolve first, before continuing the relationship or ending it.

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