"Breaks" in relationships: good or bad?
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
October 7, 2010 4:44pm CST
My sister is currently in this situation where she and her boyfriend (of 4 years), who lived together, finally got in a fight and he packed his bags and left after they rationally decided to "take a break". However, the TERMS of their break is just to spend some time apart, and it's a "closed" break (meaning neither of them are going to go wh*re themselves out for the week or two or whatever that they're apart). I've never been in a relationship long enough to actually need a break (ha ha), so I don't know - is this normal?
I really don't want these two to break up (for good) Mainly because I know they love each other, and her boyfriend is like the brother I never had. lol. And he does make my sister happy (when he's not pissing her off, that is lol).
Are "breaks" essential in long-term relationships? And what exactly does a "break" consist of - should it be an OPEN break - for them to date other people, or a "closed" break - where they are still technically exclusive but just not seeing the other person? Have you ever taken a week or two-long "break" and did it help your relationship any?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Zaphan (710)
• Philippines
9 Oct 10
it doesn't matter close or open.. as long as they still love each other they will end up being together again. they say it's cool off, when they had been in a fight they will try to cool or calm their self down and eventually after cooling down they are back for good. don't worry about that sis if they love each other they will end up being together.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
8 Oct 10
The thing a break does is it gives each a chance to evaluate the relationship and that is a good thing.
@jerikjames (1041)
• Philippines
8 Oct 10
In our 5 years of being together, my girlfriend and I never really needed a break. It's because we always let each other do what we want. It might sound like we're allowed to do anything, but truth is, our love for each other tells us that what we really want to do is to be with each other. I'm not saying that couples don't need a break, I think once in a while they do. They need to rethink their priorities, think about what they want, before getting together again. I know my girl and I would go through one of those breaks, but not anytime soon. 
I really hope that your sister and her boyfriend would not break up. I hate seeing people who have been together for so long, just fall apart. It's really hard to throw away those years and lots of times they've been together.
I really hope that your sister and her boyfriend would not break up. I hate seeing people who have been together for so long, just fall apart. It's really hard to throw away those years and lots of times they've been together. 
