Being asked to give someone space can be difficult, and you may be worried that you will lose them.It is important that you honor their wishes if you want your relationship to survive.When you step back from your relationship, tell them that you're doing this to help their relationship.Make the situation easier on you by concentrating on yourself.Try to repair your relationship.
Step 1: The person should be asked how much space they need.
Even if you just set a day to check-in with each other, try to establish a specific time frame for how long you will be apart.Ask them what they expect from you, like limiting communication or avoiding each other in public.miscommunication could hurt the relationship if you don't meet their needs.You could say, "I really want to give you the space you need."They might want you to stop all contact for a few days if you don't tell them what space looks like for you.This could include texting, social media, and in-person conversation.If you give them time alone, they may be okay with occasional text.
Step 2: You should tell the person that you care about them.
Giving someone space can make them think you don't care about them.They will be unhappy if you bother them as well.Explain that you will back off only if they are ready to get close again.I can see that you need some space right now, and you are really important to me.I hope this will strengthen our relationship in the long-term, because I am going to give you the space you need.
Step 3: While you're giving them space, stop texting and call them.
Depending on what happened, you may need to give them several days or weeks of space.Don't text or call them more than you agreed.They will feel like you aren't respecting their wishes if you do.Ask them what they prefer.Giving someone space doesn't just mean spending time away from them.You are not giving them space if you are texting them.
Step 4: Don't use their social media accounts.
It is understandable that you want to know what they are doing.It is harmful to both of you if you are following their social media page.It may make them feel like you are hovering over them.Stay off their accounts and play it safe.They should not like or comment on anything they are posting.Don't ask mutual friends what they're doing.
Step 5: You won't run into them if you avoid places you know they frequent.
If you live together or attend the same school, you might not be able to completely avoid them.Do your best to avoid places they might be, such as their workplace or favorite restaurant.It will help you avoid awkward encounters.The person likes to pick up coffee from the same coffee house every day.They might assume that you ran into them on purpose.
Step 6: Don't ask them what they're doing.
When someone asks for space, they need to explore their independence and decide what they want from the relationship.You are not giving them independence if you demand to know everything they are doing.Let them do what feels right to them.It will make them feel like you aren't respecting their need for space if you ask, "Who will you be seeing?"They shouldn't try to set rules, like who they can see and what they are allowed to do.
Step 7: Don't act on your emotions but allow yourself to feel them.
It's hard to spend time away from someone you care about.You could feel sad, angry, frustrated, or worried.You can express your emotions in a healthy way if you acknowledge how you are feeling.It will likely make things worse if you act on your feelings.It's possible to say to yourself, "I feel sad because Alex is my best friend and I might lose her."It is not a good idea to cry about how upset you are.
Step 8: There are fun activities and social events for you to attend.
Use this time to do things that are important to you.You can spend time with your friends, engage in your hobbies, or explore a new interest.Fun things will keep you occupied during your free time.You can see a movie on Monday, host a game night on Tuesday, paint on Wednesday, practice card tricks on Thursday, and go to a high school football game on Friday.
Step 9: Don't think about them, keep your mind busy.
Thinking about losing this person is not going to help you.It might make you reach out too soon.Reading, playing a game, or watching a documentary are all ways to occupy your mind.This will allow you to think about something else.During your lunch break, you might find yourself thinking about your partner.Try to read a book.
Step 10: If you need to discuss your feelings, talk to someone you trust.
Venting might help you feel better right now.Discuss the situation with someone you can trust.If you would like their advice, let them know.You could say that you are going through something and need to vent.I am worried that we are going to break up because my boyfriend needs space.I miss him a lot.
Step 11: Self care can be practiced.
Taking care of yourself will make you feel better and will show the other person that you are independent.You should be eating healthy meals, exercising, and bathing daily.Taking a hot bath, getting your favorite coffee, and going for a short walk are nice things to do for yourself.It is easier to keep up with self care when you have a schedule for yourself.
Step 12: They need space in the first place.
Think about what they said when they told you what you needed to know.Ask yourself what you could have done differently and how you can make things better in the future.They might think you are too clingy if you had a fight.Talk to the person if they are ready to do so.Say, "What did I do to push you away?"
Step 13: Apologize.
You can only control what you do, even if you did things that were not nice.Tell them that you are sorry and understand what happened.Explain that you will try to avoid repeating this pattern in the future.I understand that you need to spend time with your friends.I apologize that you felt like I was controlling you.I will make sure that you have time for your other relationships in the future.I know that you were hurt by that, and I will honor our friendship better in the future.
Step 14: It's a good idea to plan a fun activity for the day.
You may be tempted to talk about your feelings at first.The best way to get your relationship back on track is to have fun together.Pick an activity that you will both enjoy and invite them to join you.Don't try to find something that involves a lot of heart-to-heart talking.You can go bowling, play mini golf, rock climbing, or attend a concert.Pick something that interests you and helps you remember why you like each other.
Step 15: Make sure that you have time to be your own person.
A healthy relationship allows both people to grow and enjoy other relationships.If you talk to the person, they will be able to tell you what you need to feel fulfilled in your relationship.Changing your patterns will allow you to stay independent and happy.In a romantic relationship, you both need a few evenings a week to pursue hobbies or spend time with friends.It could mean that you don't hang out with each other's exes and you respect your other friends.If it is a family relationship, it might mean respecting personal space, giving each other time alone every day, and asking before you use their things.
Step 16: You can communicate with them by text, phone, or in person.
Communication is important for a relationship to survive.Send them a meme, or ask how their day is going.Discuss what you want your relationship to look like.If you spend a lot of time apart from each other, you may prefer to text rather than talk in person.They should respect their wishes if they want to communicate less often.