My [19/F] long distance boyfriend [19/M] wants to take a break... but it's not your typical break.

I honestly had a similar situation happen not too long ago. We agreed to go on a break (brought up by her, and we discussed we were not breaking up) because she was stressed with grad school and didn't feel ready for the next step in the relationship just yet (2.5 years at that point). The point of it was to focus on ourselves independently of the other and grow in hopes of having a stronger relationship in the end. I wanted the relationship to work so I agreed to this break. The only problem is that 1 person doesn't make a relationship work. I gave her the space she wanted and allowed her to "grow". What came out of it was she was basically keeping me as a safety net, while exploring other options at her grad school. She got asked out on a date and said yes (not agreed to when we were discussing the break, and we were still in a relationship) and tried to add in this new "date around" idea that was not discussed at all right after breaking this news to me. The break was for her convenience basically. She got to explore what new friends she possibly had interest in, see if it would work out, and if it didnt she could always go back to me apparently. I never would of guessed she would manipulate and use me in such way, so I broke up with her right there. In no way am I saying this is your future, but breaks don't really work if both parties are not invested in the other. A relationship that could of ended amicably for me turned into something where I really want no part of her in my life, so just proceed with caution. Really search for yourself if this is a relationship WORTH the break because in the end you'll probably get burned. Since he initiated the break, he needs to put the effort in maintaining contact. If he doesn't contact you that much, then you have your answer of how he feels about the relationship. I'd mentally say to myself the relationship is over, and move on with your life by improving aspects of yourself you can control. If it works out, then it works out, but your life doesnt stop or start with him

/r/relationships Thread