Breaks are necessary in relationships for several reasons: to find one’s self and evaluate the state of the relationship amongst others. Thus, breaks in relationships are strategic and purposeful. As such, some ground rules should be laid down when a couple decides to take a break from a relationship.
The rules are important to ensure that the break serves its purpose and that the best decisions are made after it. Here are some ground rules which have been established for couples taking a hiatus from their relationship.
Discuss the need for the break
Couples do not just randomly go on breaks. They carefully consider the option of taking time apart and then act on it. The relationship may still be going great, but both parties know that they’ve lost a part of their initial connection and want to take some time off to find themselves and probably become better lovers. Thus, it is important to discuss the need for a break instead of just ghosting each other. It is also important to do this discussion in person as other virtual forms of communication may lead to loss of the essence of the discussion.
Discuss details of the situation explicitly
A lot of things tend to be left unsaid in moments such as when couples are deciding whether they should go on a break. The unsaid portions of the discussion typically include the bulk and most important parts of the discussion.
If things are going to be left unsaid when deciding whether to go on breaks and the terms and conditions of the break, more damage will be caused. Thus, both parties have to be committed to explicitly discussing how they currently feel and what they hope to achieve through it.
Establish communication rules during the break
A break shouldn’t be done halfheartedly or it will lose its essence. Thus, it is important for both parties to agree to specific rules as per communication to achieve agreed-upon goals. As hard as it may be, it is essential to cut all forms of communication except in emergency situations.
The essence of relationship breaks is to get one’s head out of the space of the relationship to be able to make decisions as regards the future of the relationship. This essence will be lost if ground rules such as severing communication are not maintained.
Establish a timeline
Establishing a timeline for the break is another essential ground rule. Any intervention or correction method typically has a timeline as should be the case for breaks in relationships. That way both parties know that they have a specific amount of time to stay away from the relationship and consider the next step in the relationship. The timeline should also be mutually agreed on by both parties.
Without rules such as the ones stated above, relationship breaks are not effective. If a couple is going on a break, it is important to make it count, and that’s what these rules ensure.