subject: When a Guy Says He Needs Space – What it Means for Your Relationship [print this page] When a Guy Says He Needs Space What it Means for Your Relationship
When a guy says he needs space women generally are of two minds. Many women mistakenly believe it means that their guy is so overcome with the strong and unwavering love he's feeling that he just needs some breathing room. We want to believe that because it gives us comfort and a great deal of hope that the relationship will prevail. The other group of women, those who don't see the world through rose colored glasses, know exactly what it means when a man wants space, time or distance. It means he's not happy and has one foot out the door.
Almost always, when a guy says he needs space, he's telling you in his own compassionate way that he's leaving you. He's trying to avoid the direct confrontation that results during a face-to-face break up. So instead he'll tell you that he needs space and that it's not you but him. He'll walk out the door and you'll be left with the hope that he'll return refreshed and fully comfortable with the deep love you two share. That dream isn't going to come true. What's more likely to happen is he'll call you up in a few days and tell you that he's decided it's best for you two to just be friends. Sadly, in some cases, if he's too timid to address what he's really feeling he'll just drop out of your life with no word at all.
This may be difficult for you to comprehend because in your eyes, the relationship is ideal. However, you need to take a step back and really take stock of what's been going on between the two of you. Consider his demeanor as of late. Has he seemed withdrawn or sad? Does he share less and less with you or has he taken to using excuses to bow out of dinner plans? Anything like this is a very strong sign that he's not feeling fulfilled in the relationship anymore.
Before you can fix this situation, you have to recognize that for now, space is what he wants. Give it to him. Even though you understand that it means that he's on the verge of breaking up with you, you have to honor his wishes. Actually, the best thing you can do for yourself at this point is to agree with him that space is a good idea. That will help to balance out the dynamic of the relationship and put you both on equal emotional footing.
