Taking a break
Most people familiar with pop culture knows the Ross and Rachel Friend's reference of, "We were on a break!" It is a humorous misunderstanding where Ross felt like he and Rachel were broken up, and so he was free to move on, and Rachel felt like they were on hold, and so was very hurt and frustrated when Ross kissed another girl. While this is funny, it is also something that applies to many relationships. What does it mean to "Take a break" in a relationship? What about a married relationship? If you take a break in a relationship it usually means one of three things:
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1. You are not ready to admit it is over. Sometimes people "take a break" in their relationship because they know that the relationship is unhealthy or is not going anywhere, but they are not yet ready to face that fact. And so it becomes a sort of transition period where they get used to the idea of being alone and moving on in their life. Of course, for most people this is unnecessary, but many married couples will separate or "take a break" before they are divorced because they are not yet ready to face their own failure and the stigma that comes with divorce.
2. You need time so it is not as emotional. Sometimes when something happens in a relationship a couple will "take a break" in order to allow emotions to calm some so that the situation can be evaluated from a less emotional stand point. Often time is what is required for someone to see things without emotional bias. So, a break will act as a relationship pause button allowing someone to grab the proverbial popcorn, or use the restroom. Sometimes, when a major event occurs in someone's life, such as a parent or sibling dying, or a self-discovery happens, etc. a break in a relationship is necessary because emotional turmoil is high and one is not responsible for all of his or her actions. A break in this case is often a wise way to preserve a relationship. However, if this is the case, it is important to set the ground rules for what "taking a break" means so that there is not a Ross and Rachel incident.
3. You want distance to figure things out. This is a tactic often used when someone is very manipulative, or when you can't seem to control yourself around them. For example, your mind might be telling you that the relationship is not a good idea, but your physical desire for them is over-riding what common sense is telling you. In this case a break gives you the distance to sort your feelings and determine the best course of action.
Taking a break in a relationship can be beneficial, especially if it is a relationship that you have been in for some time and is consistently poor. However, for most people, taking a break is just breaking down the steps of ending things so that it is easier, or so that they do not have to be the one to admit defeat.
