Debating taking a step back and initiating a break from your relationship, but haven’t discussed boundaries yet? I’ve got you. 

Check out a few of the main concerns and conversation starters below to help shape concrete boundaries and guidelines for a smooth transition into taking a break.

Define what you want or hope will be different once the break ends. Is the main question to be answered at the end of this, are we better together or apart? Otherwise, what is the goal of the break?

Will you put a timeline on the break? If not, it's best to do scheduled check-ins with one another to discuss where your heads are at in the future timeline. Placing a timeline restraint on the break generally creates anxiety around how you 

 be feeling, completing things on your own, and not having done them within the given time.

How often (if at all) will you allow yourselves to see one another (monthly, weekly, biweekly etc.)?

Will you allow communication outside of the designated times you see one another in person, if so- will it be via facetime, phone calls, text, or email only? 

If you're currently living together what will the living space situation become, who will be living where?

Is this break something you will make others in your lives aware of? If so, what and how will you communicate with them?

Will you be allowed to date other people during this break? If so, are there boundaries within that? Such as, will you or will you not relay these experiences to one another while on the break?

Make sure to seek out individual therapists and if you haven't already, a relationship or couples counselor- which will be immensely helpful for check-ins.

, the main focus before taking a break should be to remove all or as many as possible co-dependencies that are currently entwined in your lives to truly be able to focus on yourselves and growth during this time away. Make the best of the break and use it to work on yourself, reflect, explore, and heal, then, 

 bring the best version of yourself back to the relationship, or back into the world.

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(From your relationship). Here are seven things to consider.

Thinking about taking a break?