Absence makes the heart grow fonder—or so they say. However, in a world that romanticises constant togetherness, the idea of spending time away from your partner can feel a little unsettling. The truth is, a little space isn’t just healthy—it can actually make your relationship stronger.
Whether it’s a solo weekend trip, separate hobbies, or just an evening to yourself, time apart allows you to appreciate each other even more. After all, love isn’t about being glued at the hip—it’s about growing together while still making room to breathe.
The Workhard Hospitals publication states that experts suggest that spending time away from a partner can reduce stress, and friction while increasing excitement in relationships. Couples are believed to need to have both ‘me-time and ‘we-time’, as it acts as a safety valve.
However, it stated that this time should not mean you neglect each other altogether; it should be used for self-reflection and self-development. “Finding that ‘me time’ is especially important in longer relationships where space is needed to repair and create. Issues like taking each other for granted and giving less importance to a couple of priorities may crop up easily after a point and can become a cause of unconscious stress. Spending some quality time with oneself can help reassess one’s situation.”
According to Psychology Today, spending time alone can improve your appreciation for tasks your partner usually does, as you gain new skills. This can lead to happier and more confident relationships.
Additionally, it is mentioned that changing your routines can lead to creativity, as habits help self-regulation, while subtle changes can lead to new discoveries. This can help you find new ways to entertain your partner, ultimately benefiting your relationship.
Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist, emphasises the importance of space and independence in relationships. She believes that too much closeness can impede desire and that separateness is a precondition for connection. She believes that individuals need time on their own for personal growth and maintaining independence, which is key to successful marriages.
Engaging in activities like reading, walking, or workouts can help reduce a partner’s bothersome habits, refresh oneself, and make the partner feel more patient, she further claims.
Also see: How purposeless conversations can promote a healthy relationship
