"Cool Off" - What Does it Really Mean?
By elleb0418
@elleb0418 (1107)
Philippines
April 20, 2010 7:52pm CST
I remember that day when I heard a co-worker telling us that me and my bf decided to have "cool off" and Im dating another guy now.I told her, what?you just had to call it cool off but still you can be together again right? then why are you dating another guy? She replied, hey girl that's why i told you "cool off".
I sat down thinking what does cool off really mean? Suddenly I saw a dictionary I look the meaning of it and it means--feel less enamoured of something or somebody.I paused- less enamoured: meaning less affection, but still love is there,even though the intensity is degrade.
And so I told my self so it's not similar of breaking up right? Im not really sure.Well I have my won conception about "cool off".When you say "cool off" you and your partner spend sometime of contemplating your emotions or actions.If there is a problem in the relationship you contemplate and analyze the situation.
You don't really flirt,because you still love the person,you just spend sometime alone,so that you guys can think and talk and can decide what to do.If it come to the point that you cannot patch up the situation anymore,then maybe that's the time to break up.
That's only in my own opinion.How about you guys? Can you share your ideas.What does word "cool off" mean to you?
2 people like this
15 responses
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
29 Apr 10
Hi, ellieb0418. I think that this term means to give each other some space. It also means giving each other a break so that each person can find themselves for who they really are. This is always great to do when a relationship needs some time to relax and see where two people stand as far as being away from one another.
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
2 May 10
Cool off is needed when you feel that there's something wrong in a relationship and sometimes being away from each or giving space is the way so that you can think whats the best to do.
When your gf/bf asking you for a cool off it doesn't mean that he/she doesn't love you anymore.Love will always be there but maybe sometimes its needs refresh.
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Yes you are right "cooling off" period is basically an evaluation period.And there is a 50/50 chance of breaking up and reconciliation.
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
cool off for me is basically sayng you are taking a break on your relationship - this i think is a break up coined in a different term! its simply the same as breaking up... there can be no other possible reason except that you want to be away from each other... so why still use the word cool off and still expect you are in the relationship still when in fact you took the time to not talk or communicate or see each other anymore. this cool off thing is just a silly excuse for the not so brave ones to admit they are not in love anymore...
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Well, depends on the relationship. I think whoever said the word "cool off" in a relationship has been thinking about breaking up with you, but doesn't want to let you go, can't bear to see you leave. It's a evenly split chance of staying and breaking up.
@Ritchelle (3790)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
cool off is when no one wants to spend time with you or do any responsibility towards you anymore and is going to go into other waters. if nothing pleases him then he'd go back to you. i'd say break it off then come back if he wants. cooling off is like making the other wait while giving her no guarantee that you'd be coming back.
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Temporary "freedom" when everything becomes too blurred,out of focus,its the time for both to step back and see the big picture and re-evaluate either to keep the status,change things or ultimately walk away. It must be a mutual agreement which both parties must honor and adhere to.
@ada8may21 (2405)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Cool off is what the boyfriend and girlfriend says everytime, they want to be alone for the meantime and without the boy/girl or without in the relationship.
But I dont believe in that one, if you want break up then say it so. Dont prolong the agony. That never happens to me, I always tend to give a direct decision. For me cool off, its not yet final that you break up. But it will also lead to that direction sometimes (most couple).
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Reflection periods,where you stay alone,think about everything,the hows,the whys,the what then come out with strong resolve.
@ersanmiguel (476)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
the last time i said cool off it means, don't come, don't visit, don't text me...lol
but now i couldn't say that anymore, he's already my husband.
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Good for you at least you sustained the storms during the early stage of your relationship.Godbless...!
@replyashu (745)
• India
21 Apr 10
it just means- chill off
or we can say keep your cool, just chill off......
dont be angry be the another meaning......:)
@elleb0418 (1107)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Lol! It's ok that's your view about it,You said you just gave another meaning to it.
@jimmysun (401)
• China
21 Apr 10
well...there are variours situations when you speak out 'cool off', 'cool off'in a relationship, in my opinion, is a nicer way to say that you are changing and dont really want to hurt the one you are with...No matter how hard you try, you can't get back the feeling you had before.however, there is a 'comfort zone' that you reach in a relationship and it is hard to let go when you do love the person, but don't feel in love anymore. I think that it is also another way to get the space and time you need to make sure that you are making the right decision.When you can't feel the heat anymore and things don't make sense...these days misery doesn't make great company...
@sharlionse (739)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
It's a preparation to breaking up so you both can start moving on already..LOL!
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
I think cool-off is for those people who are in a relationship that wants to try something new, but still wants to make sure that there'll be somebody on the other side who would wait for them if the something new doesn't work out.
I honestly do not believe in a cool-off, for me, it's just either you want to be with me or you don't. If we have problems, it's either we break up or we fix it together. 
@kaylachan (71589)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Apr 10
That phrase can have several meanings. But, for me, it is a saying to relax and re think a situation. No matter the situation. taking time to "cool off" doesn't always have to pretain to a relationship. It could to one's mentel health as well. Because if one is overly stressed and not taking the time to clearly think through situations properally then they are in some serious trouble. It will snowball and hurt all aspects of life.
@mackiejp (374)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Cool-off for me means you just give each other a little space and time to think about what went wrong in the relationship and what better remedy to do to save the relationship. It is your moment alone you ask from the other person for you to be quiet and calm so you can think of good things why you need to save the relationship. It is your own time to discern of what good to do for yourself and for the person you are with. Cool-off is not an opportunity for you to flirt to anyone because he or she gave you the space to do so, it is for you to reflect, weigh things up and decide for the next steps.
@acey76 (1276)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
its just giving a little space to your partner.....giving him time to think it over...it may result to a break-up or giving another chance
@ladycharm421 (59)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
Cool off for me means giving space and time to contemplate. You are still committed but you don't communicate well. Both party are given enough time to analyze the current situation if they will end up being together or breaking up.
@junmae (1586)
• Philippines
21 Apr 10
For me, cool off also means break-up but in a good term. Breaking up is more painful than saying cool off to your partner. When I was in college, cool off is very usual but when Im already working, I havent heard of the words anymore. maybe it is just common to youngster who are just exploring the feeling of being in love and being in a relationship.
