It's good to take some space from your partner in a relationship... and I'm only talking about a few hours here and there - to give your mind some YOU time and just to do your own thing.

A lot of people in relationships do everything together, they eat together, watch TV together, go shopping together, socialise together and even have the same hobbies - and that's great and all - but I believe that it really is important to take some time out for yourself and spend a bit of time doing your own stuff and being alone.. (Even just for an hour or two!) Not only will it give you some down time to just think... but it will also add to your relationship as it will create new conversations between you and you're your mate and make you look forward to spending time together again!

So in the same way - you can't get upset if you partner needs a bit of Space to themselves either. Let's look at this in a little more detail - there will be times in your relationship when your partner wants to just be alone - and get a little head space. They might want to go shopping with their friends, or play a round of golf or even just get into a good book and switch off. When your partner does this some of you might feel offended or left out that they don't want to be with you at that time... but think about it logically for a second. It's not just about you ... it's about them and what they might need.

You see, when they want to spend time alone or with friends (without you from time to time), it doesn't mean that they don't want to be with you... not at all - it just simply means they are looking for a bit of space. And if you don't let them take this little bit of space - then may start to feel a little claustrophobic, trapped or controlled and if that happened, believe me you'd end up having a lot more to worry about then just a little time apart every now and again!

Everyone is different - so your partner might like to do Sunday nights with the girls, or midweek drinks with the boys - they might want to go to the gym alone or read a book before bed or just spend an hour or so once a week doing their own hobby by themselves. This is totally normal and actually healthy in a relationship.

A friend of mine likes to go to the gym a few times a week alone and sometimes he meets his friends up there and they work out together. His girlfriend told me that she loves this - as it also gives her time to herself to do whatever she wants. Then when they see each other again later - they are looking forward to it... it kind of keeps their relationship fresh.

The thing is... if you see your partner 24/7 - one of you will, most likely, eventually get bored. You will have nothing new to talk about or tell each other - as your lives will be like one. It's good to a keep a little independence in a relationship as a relationship should be about two individuals coming together because they want to be together and because they enhances each other's lives.

If your partner's space taking is upsetting you - the best thing to do it talk it through. Talking is always the best policy - especially when it comes to your emotional feelings. But the reality is that it shouldn't be a big issue if your partner wants to spend a little time alone - I'm sure you'll be able to find something to occupy yourself - and you know what - you might even begin to enjoy a little alone time yourself - and I bet it would bring something to your relationship in a positive way.

So what I'm trying to get at here is - give your other half some space - some time to themselves... don't be clingy or make them feel trapped and I have no doubt it will only make your relationship stronger!

Breathe.....

Love

Katie-Jane xx

P.s - email me on your thoughts to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .... I'd love to know if your make any changes to relationship after reading my article or what you think!!??