• Giving a commitment phobe space means allowing them to have time and distance from the relationship.
Sometimes, people just need some breathing room. It’s like when you’re at a party with your friends and that one guy keeps spilling beer on everyone – sometimes you just gotta take five minutes outside to get away from it all. In relationships, giving someone space doesn’t mean you’re giving up on them or abandoning ship; it means recognizing that they may need some time alone to sort through their thoughts and feelings about the situation.
• This could involve not constantly contacting or pressuring them about their feelings towards the relationship.
Let’s be real: nobody likes feeling suffocated. If your partner is already hesitant about committing long-term, bombarding them with texts every hour of every day probably isn’t going to make things better (unless they happen to be really into clingy behavior…in which case, good luck). Instead of putting pressure on them by constantly asking where they stand in the relationship, try backing off for a bit and letting them come around in their own time.
• It may also mean giving them physical space, such as not spending every moment together or taking breaks from seeing each other.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder…or so they say. While cutting down on quality time spent together might seem counterintuitive if you want your partner to commit more fully, remember that too much of anything can be overwhelming – even something as awesome as hanging out with YOU! Taking short breaks from being joined at the hip can actually help strengthen emotional bonds over time by creating opportunities for both partners to reflect individually on what matters most in life (and whether those priorities align).
• Commitment phobes often feel overwhelmed by the idea of long-term commitments, so creating an atmosphere that is less intense can be helpful for both parties.
Think back to high school gym class: did anyone ever tell you NOT to stretch before running laps? (If they did, they were probably a sadistic gym teacher who enjoyed watching you pull hamstrings.) The same principle applies here – if someone is already feeling apprehensive about committing long-term, creating an environment that feels less high-stakes can help them ease into the idea of something more serious. By taking some pressure off and focusing on having fun together in the moment, both partners may find themselves enjoying each other’s company even more.
• It’s important to communicate with the commitment phobe about why you are giving them space and what your expectations are during this time.
Communication is key! If you’re planning on giving your partner some breathing room for a while, it’s crucial to let them know WHY you’re doing so. Are you hoping they’ll come around eventually? Do you just need some alone time yourself? Whatever your reasoning might be, make sure it’s clear from the outset so there aren’t any misunderstandings down the line.
• During this period of space, it’s crucial to focus on self-care and personal growth rather than solely waiting for the commitment-phobic partner to change their mind.
Remember: YOU ARE A WHOLE PERSON ALL ON YOUR OWN! While taking breaks from spending every waking moment with your significant other can be healthy in moderation, don’t forget that life goes on outside of relationships too. Whether it means picking up new hobbies or reconnecting with old friends during periods of “space,” prioritizing self-care will ultimately make both partners happier and healthier individuals regardless of where things go next.
• Setting boundaries around communication and contact can help maintain healthy emotional distance while still staying connected in some way.
Boundaries = sexy! Okay maybe not really…but seriously though: setting limits around when/how often/what kind of communication happens between two people can actually lead to stronger connections over time by fostering mutual respect for one another as individuals first and foremost. If your partner is a commitment-phobe who needs some space, try agreeing on certain times of day when it’s okay to text/call each other so you’re not constantly interrupting one another’s daily routines.
• Ultimately, whether or not a commitment-phobic person will come back ready for a serious relationship depends entirely on themselves – no amount of “space” can force someone into wanting something they’re truly afraid of.
At the end of the day, people are gonna do what they wanna do. No matter how much love and patience you pour into trying to change someone else’s mind about relationships, there comes a point where you have to accept that their feelings (or lack thereof) are beyond your control. Giving someone space may be helpful in creating an environment where both partners feel more comfortable exploring deeper connections with one another…but if it doesn’t work out? Don’t sweat it! There are plenty of fish in the sea (and also probably dolphins).
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