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Giving her space may bring her closer to you than ever.
Reviewed by Rodolfo Parlati
By
shikha thakur, MBA •
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If your girlfriend has been hinting at a lack of breathing space, you might get all apprehensive because you fear losing her. Read this post to learn if your reaction is justified and understand the importance of giving her space.
Most men become anxious about their relationship status and jump to serious conclusions, such as a breakup, when their girlfriend asks for space. While sometimes space may mean an end of the relationship, often, it just means she needs a breather.
Striking a balance is an important part of a relationship. While giving too much space might pull you apart, offering too little can stifle her. So, if you are confused about how much space to give to your girlfriend, this post offers some effective tips on the topic.
In This Article
Why Giving A Girl Space Is Important?
Space in the relationship can many times make it stronger. Here are a few benefits of space.
1. Retains distinct personality
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While you may work great as a team, you are separate individuals with your interests and independent mindsets. Giving your girlfriend space would allow both of you time to do things that appeal to you and grow as individuals. This will make you two more fulfilled as a team.
2. Allows a breathing room
If you are constantly joint at the hip, the relationship might become too smothering after a while. The space will give her breathing room and reduce excessive codependency in the relationship.
3. Gives her a chance to miss you
If you are always around, she won’t know how it feels like without your loving presence. Giving her space is a good way to make her miss your company and keep the excitement alive.
Related: 151 Cute And Romantic Ways To Say 'I Miss You'
When Does A Girl Ask For Space?
Here are a few instances when a girl might need the breather.
1. She wants independence
If you have been spending all your time together, your girl may be tired of seeing you and crave some ‘me time.’ Maybe she wants to meet friends or pursue her hobbies and is not getting time for it because she is with you all the time.
Did you know?
There has been a striking increase in the number of independent women recently, with the percentage of economically independent women increasing from 39 to over 45 percent (1).
2. She is feeling suffocated
If you got too possessive and clingy in the relationship, she might be feeling suffocated. This is a classic sign of an unhealthy relationship, and the more you try to control her, the further she may go away from you.
3. She is angry and is unable to communicate
Maybe you two had a fight, or she asked your help with something, and you didn’t come through. She probably needs a bit of space to calm her anger before having a proper discussion with you.
4. She wants a breakup
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A request for space can sometimes mean your girl is planning to break up. Maybe you had problems for a while, or she has lost interest in you. In either case, she probably needs space to gauge her emotions before she makes the final call.
Related: Top 35 Reasons Why Couples Break Up
5. She has too much going on in her life
Sometimes, a girl needs space when she is overwhelmed by too many things, such as a lot of college or work assignments. Or she probably has to manage her issues. Dealing with too much stuff might exhaust her, and she needs to relax.
6. She thinks things are moving too fast
If you two had an intense attraction and got physically or emotionally intimate too quickly, she probably needs emotional space to process her feelings. Maybe she needs time to take back control and think the relationship through.
How To Give Her Space The Right Way: 14 Tips
Giving your girlfriend space will ensure that you two are not truly apart even while away from each other.
1. Discuss the terms of “space”
When the girl asks for space, sit down and discuss the terms of space together. Tell her you support her needs, but calmly enquire how she defines the space. Does she mean she wants more personal time or wants you to cease intruding in her personal space? Or is she looking for a proper break from the relationship? Also, discuss the amount of time she needs.
2. Keep the conversations light-hearted
If you two have decided to stay in touch during this phase, avoid pestering her about relationship problems or relationship status unless she initiates the topic. Keep your discussions easy and full of banter. You can try some light-hearted flirting, but avoid over-the-top declarations of love. It is crucial to give her the required room, so don’t do anything that will make her feel pressured.
3. Stop intruding her time
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If she tells you she is out with her friends or busy with some personal work, let her do her thing. Avoid intruding by constant texting or calling. If she is going out, you can text or call to check if she has reached the location and once more to confirm if she reached home (unless she has specifically told you not to). For the rest of the time, avoid disturbing her.
4. Avoid bombarding her with questions
Trust your girl and avoid bombarding her with questions every time she goes out. Facing a blast of questions such as ‘Where are you going?’ ‘With whom?’ or ‘Why are you wearing this?’ the moment she decides to step out will irritate her. You can ask her questions, but don’t ask too many at once and make sure the timing is right.
5. Don’t take it to heart
Don’t take it personally if your girl asks for space. You may feel hurt but don’t take it out on her by fighting, cutting off contact, or acting distant. By punishing her, you will only push her away. Believe that this phase is good for individual growth and if you two are meant to be together, it will only bring you closer.
Related: How Often Should You Text A Girl To Keep Her Interested?
6. Respect her wishes
Don’t ignore your girl’s wishes if you want her to be with you. Give her the time and space she needs. If she requests you not to contact her for a few days, leave her be. If she wants to connect with you on her terms (only on weekends or only virtually), accept them. Avoid pushing her to speak or hang out with you.
7. Avoid tracking her
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While she is enjoying her space, don’t try to stalk her in person or online. Stop checking her social media. Don’t try to visit her usual spots to run into her. If you find it difficult to contain the temptation of stalking her social media, delete your account for a few days.
Did you know?
Being overly clingy or needy can put her off and drive you both apart.
8. Show your support with special gestures
You can show your girl that you support her wish for space with some thoughtful gestures. These will make her feel your love without making you come across as clingy. If she wants to spend time with her friends, book her favorite restaurant or buy movie tickets for the group. A spa or a salon voucher can also be a perfect gift to make your girl feel pampered.
9. Take time for yourself
While your girl is taking time for herself, you don’t have to put your life on hold. Use this opportunity to take time for yourself. Follow your passion or discover new interests. Work on your physical and mental fitness. Doing things you love will keep you busy and take your mind off things.
10. Don’t be desperate to jump her bones
If you are spending some time apart from each other, it is natural to crave intimacy. However, initiating sex the moment you meet shows desperation, which is a huge turn-off. Go on a proper date and have a conversation. If she initiates intimacy, you can follow her lead.
11. Spend some time socializing
Instead of worrying about what your girlfriend is doing, hang out with your loved ones. Get in touch with friends and have fun. Spend some time with your family. This will improve your mood and also give her the much-needed space. Your happiness is important for the success of your relationship in the long run.
Related: How To Keep The Conversation Going With A Girl?
12. Don’t pass judgments
What she does in her free time is up to her. She might want to spend time at home watching Netflix or hit some clubs with friends. Don’t judge or try to control her time. If you tell her not to go somewhere or do something, it will only piss her off. No one likes being controlled.
13. Let the relationship move at its natural pace
Just because you are worried you might lose her, don’t question her repeatedly about how much longer she needs space. Avoid trying to forcibly take the relationship to the next level with grand displays of love, proposals, or by asking her to move in. Instead, when you meet, enjoy the moment and let the relationship move at its natural pace.
14. Be there for her when she needs you
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Space doesn’t mean you two have broken up. You two are still in each other’s life. Let her enjoy her space but be there whenever she needs you. If she plans to go out of town, offer to drop her at the airport or pick her up if she needs it. Don’t push but show that you will be available. If she is working late, let her know that you will pick her up if she wants.
Related: 20 Sample Breakup Letters To Someone You Loved
Will She Come Back If I Give Her Space?
Whether she will come back or not depends on factors such as her feelings for you, the reason she needs space, and what happens during this breather. Even if you fully support her and do everything perfectly, it can still go either way. The distance might help her realize that she wants to be with you or give her the clarity that you two are not a good fit. In short, there is no guarantee that your girl will come back to you.
However, if you try to convince her that space is not necessary by continuously pestering her in person or by calls or texts, she is bound to get irritated. Your actions might push her further away, causing the breakdown of the relationship. Hence the best option is to give your girl space and see where it leads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I give her space?
While no definite amount of time is suggested, you will need to give her a few days or weeks of space, depending on the issue. However, do not prolong it for too long.
2. Is giving a girl space a good idea?
Yes. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or she’s been a little confused lately, giving some space will make her miss you. It will also allow her to grow independently and reduce the co-dependency on each other.
The word ‘space’ is dreaded in relationships, but it isn’t always a bad thing. It might just mean that your girl wants some time to herself. This time apart can sometimes reignite the fire in relationships and bring couples closer. So, stop assuming the worst and give her the space she needs. If you two are meant to be together, she will come back to you.
Infographic: Things To Not Do While Giving Her Space
Giving each other space in a relationship allows a couple to retain their individuality and personal identity while being involved with their partner. While giving her space, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that it does not negatively affect your relationship. Find out about such things to avoid in the infographic below. Read it and save it for future reference. Save Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Key Pointers
- It is important to give a girl space in a relationship to enhance her personality and reduce co-dependency.
- She may ask you for space if she wants independence, is too overwhelmed by other tasks, or is angry about something.
- You can give her space by letting her enjoy her me-time, respecting her needs, and being supportive.
References:
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
- Growing number of women economically independent; Statistics Netherlands
https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2009/21/growing-number-of-women-economically-independent
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