Relationships can be amazing!
We can experience such closeneness, compatibility, and enjoyment from sharing our lives with the one we love.
Sometimes, though, we just need a little space from it all - and that includes space from our partner.
Perhaps, we need a little emotional space to pause communicating about our kids' schedule, bills that are due, home repair projects, laundry that's piling up, and more.
So, how do we ask for personal space without hurting the feelings of our loved ones?
First and foremost, kindness matters on how and when you ask your partner for some space from it all. It's essential to be mindful when you share the request to eliminate any hurt feelings.
These 5 tips can help you get the physical and emotional space needed:
-
Be specific and say to your partner, "I need this Saturday morning to myself." Please don't be vague when you need space, or your meaning might confuse your partner.
-
Be open and share why your alone time makes you happy. That way, your partner will understand it's not about them.
-
Be sure to enjoy the space you've carved out for yourself. Wasting energy on guilt defeats the purpose of taking time out.
-
Be transparent and share what you did while away from your partner.
-
Be sure to schedule lots of couples or family time too. Otherwise, your partner may be concerned about your new request for alone time.
If you are struggling with getting a little space in your relationship, we're here to help. Check out our Imago Relationship Workshops and Relationship Therapy.
Discover more about Imago with our Imago Professional Membership, Imago Professional Facilitators, Imago Professional Training and Imago Educational Webinars.
This blog post was written by The Imago Center of Washington, DC.
