Has your girlfriend brought up the idea of taking a break with you? If so, you might not know how to feel. This isn’t a great sign for your relationship, and it probably means there are some issues you need to work through. 

Still, taking a break is not a death sentence for your relationship. Sometimes spending some time apart is needed to make a relationship stronger in the long run. Try talking things through with your girlfriend to figure out what works best for both of you. 

What Does it Mean if Your Girlfriend Wants to Take a Break?

Couple with their backs turned to each other.

The first thing to consider when your girlfriend wants to take a break is why she feels this way. Are there any specific issues that led to this, or did it come out of the blue? 

It’s possible that things have moved too fast and that she wants to slow things down. Maybe she feels trapped in the relationship, maybe you had a fight and she needs some time to herself. Or in more extreme scenarios, maybe she was unfaithful. By understanding where she’s coming from, you can communicate better. 

If you’re both otherwise committed to the relationship, don’t immediately catastrophize. A break may benefit you both in the long run. 

How to Talk to Your Girlfriend About Taking a Break?

If your girlfriend wants to take a break, start by figuring out both of your expectations before doing so. Try to find some time where you can have an in-depth conversation. 

Ask her questions like:

  • How long do you want to take a break?
  • When can we start talking again?
  • Do you want to see other people while we’re apart?
  • Why do you want to take a break? 
  • What are the problems in our relationship? 

Most issues in relationships come down to one thing: communication. Iit’s likely a lack of communication that got you here in the first place. By talking things through with your partner, you can hopefully get on the same page.

If you can get on the same page, you may not need to go on a break. But, if she still wants to take a break, you will at least understand her expectations. 

If your girlfriend wants to take an extended break, it may be best to end the relationship. Your girlfriend suggesting this may just be her way of easing into a breakup. While this may not be what you want, it will make it easier to move on if you end things right away instead of dragging it out. 

Conclusion

If your girlfriend wants to take a break, there are clearly some issues in your relationship. Most problems can be solved with open communication. Still, this is most likely a sign your relationship isn’t working. 

If your girlfriend wants to spend a few days or weeks apart, you may be able to work things out. But, if she wants to take an extended break, it may be best to end things here, even if it’s hard.