Giving Your Partner, “Space”–Yay or Nay?

When a couple is in love they often want to spend a great deal of time together. However, for various reasons sometimes giving people space can be a good way to make sure a relationship is healthy as well. On the other hand, too much, “Space,” can bring with it a number of complications. The next time you hear your partner proclaim, “I need my space,” is it a good idea to give them some? Should you refuse and try to work through the problem together, or maybe a happy medium can be reached?

Yay!

Even though a couple may love spending time together, there are occasions one needs some space from their partner or spouse. Sometimes a partner may feel cranky, argumentative, or simply stressed and in a bad mood. These situations at times may have a partner wanting support, but other times they may be just, “Need a moment,” to be by themselves and mentally unpack a situation. Also, even if you are a dedicated couple sometimes you want to be able to build friend-relationships with others and operate somewhat independently.

After all, you were individuals before you met, and you still have some individual needs and desires. Letting yourselves take some time to grow as individuals can actually help you further your relationship as a couple–you will want to talk about the exciting things you did solo or with other friends and be happy for one another doing things the other loves.

Nay!

Sometimes a partner may want a lot more, “Space,” than you’re comfortable with. It’s been shown that too much space (both literally and figuratively) can lead to an emotional disconnection between a couple. After all, as humans we crave socialization and always being apart doesn’t necessarily, “Make the heart grow fonder,” if this distance is too common.

Should your spouse demand more space than you’re comfortable with, it’s important to talk about how you understand their need for space, but you also still want to know they value your involvement and love–whether this means they take less time to themselves or even are okay with occasional check-ins during the times they are trying to get their own space.

Both?

Perhaps instead of giving someone too much or too little space a good balance can be achieved? One thing is clear: it’s best to give a partner some space before they absolutely need it. When things get to that point where a partner is angry and demanding space things have already gone too far. By talking about wanting some alone time before it turns into an argument can work wonders for helping a relationship feel a lot less bumpy and unpredictable.