logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
13m 55s

#69: "When is taking a break in a relati...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In today's episode, I'm answering the community question of "when is it a good idea to take a break in a relationship?" This can be a really tricky situation, particularly where one person wants to take a break and the other doesn't. 

In this episode, I share:

  • things to consider & discuss before taking a break
  • do's and don'ts of taking a break
  • examples of where a break can be healthy & productive
  • navigating boundaries around taking a break (e.g. around duration, exclusivity, and intentions)

Download the FREE Anxious Attachment Starter Kit here

Join the 28-day Secure Self Challenge! Starts 10 Feb 2025

Additional Resources



Up next
Jul 8
#196: How & Why We Self-Abandon in Relationships
If you deeply fear abandonment, there’s a good chance you’ve also been abandoning yourself in quiet, subtle, and painful ways.In today’s episode, we’re exploring how fear of abandonment often leads to patterns of self-abandonment — especially for those with anxious attachment. We ... Show More
19m 8s
Jul 1
#195: Two Simple Principles for a Healthy Nervous System
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two key principles for building a truly resilient, balanced nervous system — and why one without the other tends to keep us stuck.We’ll explore:Why nervous system health isn’t about being relaxed all the timeThe importance of deliberate stress expo ... Show More
11m 4s
Jun 24
#194: When You Don’t Feel Like a Priority in Your Relationship
If you often feel like you're fighting for a place in your partner’s life—like you’re always waiting to be chosen or noticed—this episode is for you.This is one of the most common experiences for people with anxious attachment: that persistent, painful feeling of being sidelined. ... Show More
18m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
#65 What is the purpose of heartbreak?
Last week during my Thursday Q&A on Instagram someone submitted a question “what is the point of heartbreak?” my answer to that received so much feedback that I wanted to turn it into a full episode. In today’s episode I’ll talk about what I think the point of going through a bre ... Show More
20m 27s
Apr 2023
Break Down Bonus: When should I stop fighting for my rocky relationship?
Things not going super well in your relationship for the last few weeks? Months? Years? If things aren't great, but not glaringly harmful, it can be difficult to decide whether or not it's worth fighting for or if you're better off moving on. Abby breaks down this week's main epi ... Show More
19m 55s
Aug 2020
#23: Rebound Relationships
In this episode I discuss rebound relationships after heartbreak. I go over what a rebound relationship is, why we tend to fall into them, what to do if you find yourself wanting one or in one, and how to fill the void left by a break up in healthy ways. To find out which Break U ... Show More
20m 7s
Aug 2022
#124 Breakups With Unfortunate Circumstances
On today's solo episode, we are talking more in depth about breakups due to unfortunate circumstances (i.e. addiction, mental health issues, relocating, family disapproval). How do you wrap your head around the relationship being great, except this one thing getting in the wa ... Show More
15 m
Dec 2023
breakup advice (part 1: feel the pain)
breakups are almost an inevitable part of life. but despite how fucking awful they are, they can also be really transformative in a positive way. i've gone through a handful of breakups throughout my life, and i've learned a lot. so i'm going to be doing multiple episodes of brea ... Show More
39m 18s
May 2020
#10: Break Ups When the Guy Is Afraid of Commitment: Listener Advice
In this episode I walk through a listener's break up who got broken up with because the guy was afraid of commitment. I walk through her break up and answer her questions. I talk about how to deal with a break up like this as well as how to deal with one where the guy is emot ... Show More
22m 9s
Jan 2024
#1 - Why 90% Of Couples Breakup & 3 Things Men Need In a Relationship
In this episode, we catch up from the week just gone & discuss... * The reason 90% of relationships break up. * 3 Things men need in a relationship that often gets overlooked * Should you leave your partner if you have a crush on someone else? This episode was a juicy one to star ... Show More
39m 26s
Aug 2018
#132 - Should You Break Up Or Stay Together?
Break up or stay together? Who hasn't wondered the same, during a seriously difficult time in their relationship? Or, entertained an even bigger question: Should you try to save a relationship? How hard should you work? Especially a relationship that has been feeling really hard ... Show More
1h 21m
Mar 2024
2108: How to Get Over a Breakup by Sarah Von Bargen of Yes and Yes on Rediscovering Life after A Relationship Split
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2108:In this episode, Greg Audino explores Sarah Von Bargen's insightful guide on overcoming a breakup, offering practical a ... Show More
10m 53s
Jan 2024
Ep. 221 - I’m behind and running out of time
In today’s episode we discuss the broader issue of feeling behind in life due to attachments. Exploring the concept of time constraints and the freedom of choice, we realize life can be fulfilling both with and without specific outcomes. This philosophy extends beyond relationshi ... Show More
15m 14s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami