Have you and your partner been arguing constantly? Do you find it harder to spend quality time together due to a hectic work schedule despite your efforts to plan meaningful dates? Are you at a stage of the relationship where the two of you don't know if you'll have a future together? If you answered yes to some of these questions, then it might be time to take a break.
Here are other signs that this could be necessary.
Neither of You Are Trying to Make It Work
If you and your partner are putting in lackluster or no effort at all in the relationship, then it could be time for a break. Maybe you are dealing with a family crisis and you can't devote as much time to your partner. Or it could be that the two of you are drifting apart because your values and priorities have changed since the relationship started. You can use the break to evaluate if the two of you are compatible or on the same page emotionally, financially, spiritually, and mentally.
You're Spending Too Much Time Together
If you're so focused on the relationship that everything else in your life is going by the wayside, then a break might be helpful. At the beginning of a relationship, you're excited and want to spend as much time as possible with your partner. But if your family and friends state that they don't see you a lot because of your relationship, this is a red flag. You don't want to lose your identity while dating.
You Haven't Matured As a Person
If your mind is still that of a child or teenager, then you should consider a break from the relationship. You need the maturity to communicate your needs, disagree without getting easily angered, compromise with your partner, and apologize when necessary. If you or your partner are not able to handle conflict like adults, then you might need a break.
Red Flags Are Present
Don't ignore your intuition when it comes to relationships. If you notice a lot of red flags, then it's time for a break. Common relationship red flags include lack of communication, controlling behavior, extreme jealousy, selfishness, and a secretive past. If your family and friends notice these issues, then ask yourself if what they are saying is true.
In conclusion, just because you need to take a break doesn't mean that your relationship is bad overall. It means that you need to reevaluate it to see if you should stay together or not.