How do you ask those you love for personal space?

How do you ask those you love for personal space?

We all need our own space sometimes, even from the people we love most. I’m not just talking about couples who’ve been together for years. I mean family, friends, and anyone you’re close with.

Every relationship can benefit from a little breathing room now and then.

I’ll never forget the time my best friend asked me for space when we were close and talking almost every day. I was hurt at first. What had I done wrong? But after giving her the alone time she requested, I realised how beneficial it was for both of us. We each had time to reset and recharge on our own.

“In every relationship, the ability to be alone is equally important as the ability to be together,” says Dr Amanda Gesselman, Head of Research Analytics and Methodology Core at the Kinsey Institute. “Asking for space shouldn’t be seen as rejection, but rather a sign that someone cares about nurturing the relationship.”

Why do we need space?

There are lots of good reasons we all need some personal space from time to time:

• To pursue hobbies and interests on our own
• To rest and recharge our batteries without distractions
• To reflect and get in touch…