A trial separation is when a couple decides to split up for a while in order to reassess their relationship. If a couple is struggling to make things work, this may be a good way to gain perspective on a relationship and decide if breaking up is really the best option. While it’s most common in married couples, any couple can go through a trial separation.
However, is this right for you and your partner? In this article, we’ll be going over when a trial separation may be necessary, as well as how to go about it.
When to Try a Trial Separation?
A trial separation may be a good option for you if you’re considering breaking up with your partner but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision. This is especially true if you’ve talked to your partner, and they seem to feel the same way.
It may be a good idea if you’re in a long-term relationship, and breaking up would cause a lot of difficulties in your life. This is especially true if you have kids together, or joint assets. A trial separation can help you see if breaking up really is the best option, or if you want to try and make things work.
Of course, a trial separation shouldn’t be your first course of action. Instead, try to resolve your issues by talking things out with your partner. Couple’s counseling can be a great resource as well.
However, if you feel like your issues are too much to solve, a trial separation may be the most logical next step. We’ll be covering how to go about this in more depth below.
How to Go About a Trial Separation
If you’ve decided a trial separation is right for you and your partner, bringing it up may be tricky. This is especially true if you haven’t already discussed the possibility with your partner.
For most people, the suggestion of a trial separation will just sound like a half-hearted attempt to break up with them. Of course, if you know you just want to break up with your partner, it’s better to rip the band-aid off instead of dragging things out.
You should only suggest a trial separation if you’re genuinely unsure about ending your relationship. Make it clear to your partner that you feel this time would help you both decide what’s best for both of you. If you feel this way, it’s likely your partner does too. Even so, accept that they may not take kindly to this suggestion.
If your partner accepts a trial separation, it’s a good idea to set a certain amount of time before reconvening and deciding what to do next. At this point, you’ll likely either get back together or formally end your relationship and move on.
Conclusion
While trial separations aren’t a great sign for a relationship, they may help both people gain more perspective on what they really want. In some cases, they may lead to a couple getting back together stronger than ever, although they’re probably more likely to end in a permanent split.
