5 Ways to Give Your Partner More Space

By Mary Campbell

When we think of relationships, we think of togetherness. However, too much of a good thing can be bad. Everyone needs their own space. What do you do when your partner says they need their own space? First, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean the end of a relationship. It simply means your partner needs some time for themselves. Here are a few tips for maintaining a balance between togetherness and enjoying time alone or with others.

Embrace Your Partner’s Honesty
If your partner has said they need some space, don’t take it personally. Don’t get hurt or offended; instead, embrace your partner’s honesty. Then embrace the opportunity to enjoy some space of your own. Do something you always wanted to do but never had the time. Join a gym or take a dance class. Practice meditation or experiment with new dinner recipes. The choice is yours.

Enjoy Time Alone
Enjoying time with your partner is wonderful, but you limit your individual enjoyment and potential when you do everything together. You and your partner may have some hobbies and activities that are enjoyable to one of you but not the other. There is nothing wrong with engaging in an activity alone or with friends or family. Learn to enjoy your alone time. Work on some of your own personal goals, such as furthering your education or starting an exercise program.

Make Together Time Quality Time
Couples may get bored when they spend all of their time together. The quantity of time you spend together is not as important as the quality of that time. You may be with each other all day in the same house, but it’s not the same as doing something you enjoy together. Try to spend quality time together doing an activity you enjoy, or just mindfully spending time alone together sharing a meal or having a conversation.

Re-connect with Others
People sometimes become so absorbed in their relationship with a romantic partner that other relationships suffer. If your partner has expressed a desire for space, it could be a good time to reconnect with family members and friends. Call an old friend or catch up with relatives. Strengthening the other relationships in your life can make you less dependent on your romantic relationship and give you and your partner the balance that you both need.

Limit Texting and Calls
It’s perfectly fine to stay in touch with your partner when you are apart. However, don’t overwhelm your partner with constant texts or phone calls. Neither of you will be able to enjoy your alone time if you are constantly checking up on each other. Too much texting will only make you seem insecure and clingy. It will give your partner the impression that you don’t trust them. Instead of enjoying their space, it may make them more frustrated and irritable. If you really want to give your partner some space, you’ll put the phone down.

A healthy relationship is a balance of togetherness and personal space alone. Learn to create that balance by spending quality time together and apart. Balanced relationships in which both partners are willing to give each other space may be the healthiest and most long-lasting.