Should You Take a Break?

See if hitting pause on your relationship is the right move.

New Friends? - Even the best relationships hit rocky patches. The question is, should you push forward, give up completely or take a break? When done right — openly, with an understanding of what is allowed and the sincere intention to working out individual issues — a break can give you some perspective and help you turn a clear eye toward bae. Read on to figure out if you should press pause on your relationship. By Kenrya Rankin (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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New Friends? - Even the best relationships hit rocky patches. The question is, should you push forward, give up completely or take a break? When done right — openly, with an understanding of what is allowed and the sincere intention to working out individual issues — a break can give you some perspective and help you turn a clear eye toward bae. Read on to figure out if you should press pause on your relationship. By Kenrya Rankin (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

You’ve Lost Yourself - Being partners doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the things that make you unique. If you feel like you’ve sacrificed the essence of who you are, take a step back and rediscover the things you like best about yourself and make sure your relationship is compatible with that version of you. (Photo: Michael A. Keller/CORBIS)

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You’ve Lost Yourself - Being partners doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the things that make you unique. If you feel like you’ve sacrificed the essence of who you are, take a step back and rediscover the things you like best about yourself and make sure your relationship is compatible with that version of you. (Photo: Michael A. Keller/CORBIS)

His Breathing Annoys You - You love him to pieces — but if he leaves his dirty dishes in the sink or breathes corn chip breath in your face again, you are definitely going to scream. A break will remind you not to sweat the small stuff. (Photo: B. Pepone/Corbis)

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His Breathing Annoys You - You love him to pieces — but if he leaves his dirty dishes in the sink or breathes corn chip breath in your face again, you are definitely going to scream. A break will remind you not to sweat the small stuff. (Photo: B. Pepone/Corbis)

One of You Is Starting a New Journey - Whether you’re starting grad school or his job temporarily relocates him for three months, taking a break can let you be selfish and focus on your own issues without neglecting your partner. (Photo: Peter M. Fisher/Corbis)

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One of You Is Starting a New Journey - Whether you’re starting grad school or his job temporarily relocates him for three months, taking a break can let you be selfish and focus on your own issues without neglecting your partner. (Photo: Peter M. Fisher/Corbis)

You Don’t Know What to Do Next - You’re genuinely not sure if you want to work on your issues and marry him, or hit him with the Kanye shrug and give it a go with someone else. Time away might sharpen your focus. (Photo: Oliver Rossi/Corbis)

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You Don’t Know What to Do Next - You’re genuinely not sure if you want to work on your issues and marry him, or hit him with the Kanye shrug and give it a go with someone else. Time away might sharpen your focus. (Photo: Oliver Rossi/Corbis)

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Your Arguments Are Legendary - If you argue about little things for no discernible reason, a breather can help you break the habit. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Your Arguments Are Legendary - If you argue about little things for no discernible reason, a breather can help you break the habit. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

You’re Looking to Him for Happiness - The reality is, no one can make you happy but you. If you find that you are relying on him to bring joy into your life and getting upset when he doesn’t, a break can remind you of the importance of brightening your own day. (Photo: Larry Williams/Corbis)

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You’re Looking to Him for Happiness - The reality is, no one can make you happy but you. If you find that you are relying on him to bring joy into your life and getting upset when he doesn’t, a break can remind you of the importance of brightening your own day. (Photo: Larry Williams/Corbis)

You’re Having a Drought - Whether it’s good morning kisses or regular sex sessions, your intimacy is lacking. Absence can make the heart — and other parts — grow fonder. (Photo: Brooke Fasani Auchincloss/Corbis)

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You’re Having a Drought - Whether it’s good morning kisses or regular sex sessions, your intimacy is lacking. Absence can make the heart — and other parts — grow fonder. (Photo: Brooke Fasani Auchincloss/Corbis)

You Are Moving at Different Speeds - If one of you is ready to jump to the next level, but the other one is comfortable right where you are, a break might help you both figure out what you really want from the relationship. (Photo: SimplyMui/Masterfile/Corbis)

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You Are Moving at Different Speeds - If one of you is ready to jump to the next level, but the other one is comfortable right where you are, a break might help you both figure out what you really want from the relationship. (Photo: SimplyMui/Masterfile/Corbis)