You may need more space in a relationship and not realize it. Read the signs below to know for sure.
The “honeymoon phase” in a relationship is a great time because everything is so new and exciting, and you often can’t get enough of each other. It’s time to get to know each other and want to spend as much time together as possible.
While this is normal, it is not meant to last forever, as it is often referred to as the first stage of a relationship, the stage in which you grow and move on.
In a healthy relationship, it is common to not agree on the same things and not enjoy the same things. After all, you are two different people with different backgrounds and needs in life.
Some people like company all the time and others like spending time alone. Have you found yourself feeling like you need a little space in your relationship? If there is too much of it, you can drift away from each other, but not enough of it can make you resent your partner.
So, how much space is normal in a relationship?
Here are some indicators that it might be time to enjoy some time away from your loved one, whether that’s time completely alone or catching up with your friends and family, and maybe even taking up a new hobby.
Signs you need more space in a relationship and what to do about it
- You fight more
Often times, when we don’t get time for ourselves, we find that we pick on each other’s habits which can lead to fighting or bickering often over the most ridiculous things.
They may be things that have absolutely nothing to do with your relationship but have a huge impact because you are always in each other’s shadow. These trivial things bother you because you are bothered by their presence.
By arguing about silly things, you are trying to tell your partner that you feel suffocated by lack of space, so speak up and tell him how you feel.
If you feel like you might need some space in the relationship, try spending a weekend away from each other, often taking some time away to do your own thing will instantly cure this and you’ll appreciate each other more when you catch up.
- You must inform your partner of any decision you make
If you find yourself telling your partner when you’re going to the store or going for coffee, this could be a sign of taking up some space in the relationship. Not being able to do anything without telling your partner first is a sign of codependency, which can easily turn into a controlling relationship.
If you are used to telling your partner about the simplest decisions you make, try to do so without telling him. Go to the store, get coffee, or go to the gym. Don’t forget that you were able to do things on your own before you met him, so go back to that person.
- Their eccentricities are no longer strange
Do you find that habits you thought were nice don’t exist anymore? Then it might be time to take a little space from each other.
If their chewing or the way they laugh gets on your nerves, you should ask for some space in the relationship and spend more time with your friends and family so that these cute traits don’t wear you down. Who knows, with a little time, you might start to find it cute again.
- Spending time together isn’t fun anymore
Friday movie nights used to be more fun, but now they’re getting a little boring? Taco Tuesday was nice and now seems a bit ordinary? If you text each other regularly throughout the day, try not communicating and wait to see each other.
It will give you both a lot to talk about and you will find yourself listening to each other. When we get into a routine with our partners, security may seem great, but it can lose its pleasurable appeal. If you break up some space, and alternate updates and movie nights, it will make things more interesting.
- You don’t want to invite your partner anywhere
Having coffee together on a Sunday afternoon may be the best part of your week, but would you now like to have that coffee alone for a while and maybe read?
You don’t want to invite your partner because you don’t want his company. You may find yourself feeling trapped and just needing that space. Wanting to do things without her is completely normal and something you both should strive for.
- You feel stressed
We’re advised to take some space from whatever is stressing us out, whether it’s work, a toxic friendship, or even the word of the day. If you’re feeling stressed, it’s helpful to look at all aspects of your life and see if your partner is causing you stress.
If you know your stress is coming from your partner, spending some time apart can help you discover what’s bothering you and work on it.
They may ask you to give them space in your relationship for the same reasons and this is something you should respect and honor. Remember, this is not a reflection on you and may make you stronger as a couple.
- You neglect your interests
If you’re struggling to remember the last time you had time to read a good book, get a manicure, take a yoga class, or even go for a walk, this is a sign that you need to start doing some of the things you used to love. . You have met your life partner.
They may feel the same way, and this will make you cherish the time you spend together. When you can plan to do something together that suits your interests, it will make them feel incredibly special and you will really look forward to spending time together.
Space in a relationship is not a bad thing, it is healthy.
- You are bored
You may be completely in love with your partner, but are there times when you feel ridiculously bored? If boredom and your lover go hand in hand, this is a sign of taking up some of your old hobbies or starting new ones.
Do you worry about the amount of physical space in a relationship? Space may be needed if you get bored with them because spending time together has lost its meaning.
Make sure to see some of your friends more regularly and maybe add some spontaneity to your relationship.
- You feel suffocated
There comes a point in any relationship where obsessing over each other becomes too much. Everywhere you look, your partner is there, looking at you. You may often feel like you can’t breathe when you feel suffocated by something or someone.
You need to talk and ask for some space in your relationship. You can try to reassure them that space in the relationship has no hidden meanings, it just means that you want some time for yourself.
If any of these feelings resonate with you, it’s okay to ask your partner for some space to see family/friends/for your mental health or just to read a magazine in the bathroom for an hour.
It is very important to give someone space in a relationship, and to take the time to nurture and feed your own life and not just each other.
There is such a thing as too much time together. You find yourself focusing only on that person and becoming less independent and unable to do anything without getting their approval.
Giving your relationship freedom, space, understanding, and respect will make it stronger, happier, and unbreakable.
Many people struggle with how to ask for space in a relationship without upsetting someone, but as long as you can explain why you need it without hurting their feelings, they should be completely supportive of you.
