WHAT TO DO BEFORE GOING ON A RELATIONSHIP BREAK.

When your relationship has hit a rocky patch, and you and your partner aren't ready to throw in the towel, but can't keep going the way you're going, what else is there to do besides take a break? Though it can be a hard decision to come to, once you and your partner have decided to take a break, it's important that you keep a few things in mind, nobody wants to wind up. 

A break to one person can mean a completely different thing to another. You've gotten through the hardest part, which is deciding with your partner that you do need a break to figure out the next steps. Now, there are a few things you can do to ensure you use your time wisely and come back feeling clearer about the direction of your future with or without your partner.

Define Expectations;
If you're looking to get back together with your partner in the future, you both need to sit down to discuss what your expectations will be. Though it might be a hard discussion to have, it's one you need in order for you be on the same page.

Set Boundaries; 

Can you call each other during this break? Text? Drop by? See other people? It's important to set and define boundaries during your break, so that you don't come back from your break with entirely different views and experiences about how things happened. If one of you has been at home, contemplating the future of your relationship while the other has been out dipping their toes in the dating pool, you're going to come back with very different thoughts about what to do next.

Figure Out Why You Want To Take A Break;

 If you're feeling blase about your relationship and think a break will fix it, When taking a
timeout, call it for yourself and not for your partner. This decision all comes down to knowing yourself. Finding the what will help you approach the situation with your partner, and can help both of you better evaluate what your break will look like. 

Set A Clear Timeline; 

Figure out a timeline for your break. Taking a break with no end in sight is the fastest way for your break to turn into a full break up. Even if you just schedule a check in after a certain period of time, to figure out if you need more time, or where to go next. setting up a time to check in with your partner is extremely important Use Your Time Wisely: 

In order to come back from your break with a renewed sense of understanding of your relationship, you need to use your time wisely. Take time and think about why you're on a break, and whether or not you and your partner truly have a future together.

Stick To Your Rules; 
Being apart from your other half can really open your eyes to what you're missing when they're not by your side, it can also open your eyes regardless of what your break helps you come to terms with, it's important to stick to your rules. If you've realised
that you can't live without your partner, don't call them and text them incessantly to tell them about your revelation.

 Respect the rules you agreed upon at the beginning of your break and honour your partner. Whether it's positive or negative, by respecting the boundaries and expectations of your break, you can revisit your relationship with your partner with clarity when it's time. 

BY STEPHANIE ERDOO HEMEN