What does it mean when your partner asks for space?

When partners have competing needs for closeness and space, a cycle known as the pursuer-distancer cycle is typically being enacted during which one partner acts as the pursuer (often the person striving for closeness and wanting to relieve their anxiety about the relationship) and the other acts as the distancer ( …

Is asking for space in a relationship healthy?

If your partner says they need space, it’s easy to panic and think you’ve done something wrong—but the truth is, a little bit of space is healthy in a relationship. Sometimes we start spending too much time together or we miss our friends or we just aren’t feeling like ourselves—and space can help reset the balance.

Is wanting space in a relationship normal?

It’s completely normal to need space in a relationship. You might be an introvert that needs alone time to rest or you might just like spending time by yourself every once in a while. Needing some time apart doesn’t mean you don’t love your partner; it just means you need time to take care of yourself and recharge.

Is it good to have space in a relationship?

A little space can even be healthy. “It’s probably good to have some strong connection and interaction with your partner but also some other space in your life,” says Aron. “In fact, that’s good for the relationship because you then bring to the relationship the growth, change, and things you’ve learned and experienced in other parts of your life.”

Above all, remember that a partner requesting space is asking for you to be understanding and accepting of their needs. Though you may not understand their request, in order to preserve the relationship it is important to think about how you can manage your own anxieties while communicating understanding and respect to your partner.

Why does my partner pull away when I ask for space?

Oftentimes when one partner pulls away, we see what therapists call a “distance-pursuer” dynamic. What this means is that the partner who asks for space (or distance), might do so out of feelings of being smothered or controlled. (Keep in mind this is based on the distancing partner’s perception, not necessarily the fault of the other partner.)

How do you know if you are giving space when dating?

If you are giving space when in a relationship, make sure that you are continually moving forward in life, especially if you are her have recently broken up. When your girlfriend, fiance, wife or even ex can see that you are continually moving forward in life without needing her encouragement,…