Ask anyone you know, and chances are they’ll have an opinion on relationship breaks.
Some people are firmly in the camp that taking a break from your relationship is a bad idea, while others believe it can be essential to getting the self-reflection you need to grow as a couple.
Breaks can be for the purpose of reflection and reconfiguration, or time devoted to personal development.
Time apart from each other can be a positive thing if the relationship is healthy and not suffering from ongoing, unresolved issues
But alas, even the most well-intentioned breaks don’t always go according to plan.
If you’re worried about whether your break could turn into a permanent breakup, here are seven signs to watch out for.
1. One Of You Is Secretly Dating Around During The Break
Don’t get me wrong: The stipulations of your break are totally up to you and your partner, and if you’re both truly, honestly comfortable with the idea of dating or sleeping with other people while apart, then do so! And obviously, if you’re in a non-monogamous relationship to start, this can involve dating other people and doesn’t reflect on the strength of your connection.
2. One Of You Is Moving On (And Not Just Romantically)
Breaks are supposed to be a time to work on yourself and figure out what you need and want in a relationship, but if you notice that your partner is doing a massive overhaul of their life, it could be a sign that, when the break is over, there won’t be room for you in it.
3. Your Partner Refuses To Communicate With You
If you took a break to get some space and reevaluate your relationship without distraction, you may ultimately start to figure out what your connection is lacking. At that point, communication during a relationship break becomes vital. You have to actually talk about the issues with your partner if you want to eventually resolve things and officially get back together.
4. You Feel You Aren’t Being Heard
In a healthy relationship (even while on a break) both partners should feel able to express their feelings, opinions, and desires without judgment. If you reach out to your partner to express a concern or ask for something you need in the relationship, only to be met with indifference (or worse, silence), that might mean it’s not the right relationship for you long-term.
5. You’re Unclear On The Point Of The Break
If there’s no reason for the break other than discontent, you’re most likely looking at the prelude to a breakup,” Winter says. And even after discussing the reasons your partner wants the break, if you’re not in agreement with those reasons, it could also be a sign a breakup is on the horizon.
