I find the forums a helpful place to discuss matters aside from Graal as well since we all have had the same experiences here and there.

Basically, I'm in a bit of a knot right now. I know it's bad but recently my girlfriend told me that "she needs a break."
I questioned what this meant for a bit and I talked with her about it and from her words it's more of "not a break up, but just a break from the relationship thing."

She has been really stressed lately and I've been adding on without knowing it. She's been stuck up with school, studying
for exams until 2 am, problems with her parents right now, and then of course handling a relationship. So I guess that's one reason she would want to take a break? (Atleast I hope that's the only reason..)

I am so serious about this though and I really want to hear your guy's opinions on what to do. What would YOU do if you
were in my position? I honestly would do anything to keep her with me (as any guy would) but if she wants space, then I don't want to message or anything until she's fine.

What should I do?
Should I just completely leave her alone to respect her decision?
Should I try talking to her after a day or two?
Should I wait until she messages me first?  

Try talking to her after a day. Life seems to be slamming a lot of things at her right now, so she's probably trying to find a comfortable pace. Give her some space, then say something like "Hey, thinking of you. Hope you're feeling better." As long as you are generally supportive, and listen when she wants you to listen, then your relationship is safe.

And don't worry about other things (what if she actually found another guy, etc) unless she gives you a reason to worry. Yes those things do happen; but if you guys have had great trust until this break, leave it there until something bad happens.  

Your gf wants a break so give her one.

Let her settle down a little bit by herself.  

If she truly is being serious, give her space. If you don't I fear it could only make the situation worst. The best thing to do is just confront her with small talk and ask her how she's doing every now and then. In a situation like this, you're really just waiting for her to make a move. If you just ask her how she's doing every other day eventually she'll start to open up more until she's ready to talk. I've never really been in a situation like this before, but that's just what I'd do.

On a side note, you ask if you should wait for her to message you first. Are you in a relationship where you wouldn't be able to see her on a day to day basis or is she a girlfriend from your school/college?  

Stress can be an irritating thing to deal with. Let her have her space, but at the same time let her know you're there to talk. Referencing off of what Latte said, definitely try to keep those negative thoughts out of mind. Trust is key. I hope everything works out for you. These situations are never fun to be in, but they will come to pass.  

Posted by Latte

Try talking to her after a day. Life seems to be slamming a lot of things at her right now, so she's probably trying to find a comfortable pace. Give her some space, then say something like "Hey, thinking of you. Hope you're feeling better." As long as you are generally supportive, and listen when she wants you to listen, then your relationship is safe.

And don't worry about other things (what if she actually found another guy, etc) unless she gives you a reason to worry. Yes those things do happen; but if you guys have had great trust until this break, leave it there until something bad happens.

I will keep this in mind and if nothing does happen after a day then I will engage.
+ rep

Posted by Nabu Lapse

If she truly is being serious, give her space. If you don't I fear it could only make the situation worst. The best thing to do is just confront her with small talk and ask her how she's doing every now and then. In a situation like this, you're really just waiting for her to make a move. If you just ask her how she's doing every other day eventually she'll start to open up more until she's ready to talk. I've never really been in a situation like this before, but that's just what I'd do.

On a side note, you ask if you should wait for her to message you first. Are you in a relationship where you wouldn't be able to see her on a day to day basis or is she a girlfriend from your school/college?

I don't get to see her on a everyday basis because she's in a different city now. So it worries me a little on that part too.

Posted by Tyler

Stress can be an irritating thing to deal with. Let her have her space, but at the same time let her know you're there to talk. Referencing off of what Latte said, definitely try to keep those negative thoughts out of mind. Trust is key. I hope everything works out for you. These situations are never fun to be in, but they will come to pass.

I trust her 100%. Out of all the girls I have dated this is probably the first time I have had full trust to. (I guess that's good.) I'm just worried on what her decision may be. I've only had one serious breakup in the past (not with her) and it was devastating. I honestly do not want to go back to that stage and I'm really happy with the girl I'm with now. By all means I want to stay with her and will do anything to give her time to think.

Thanks guys, these really help!  

Glad it helps~ Also, I'd ask her about what boundaries she had in mind for the break, just so you guys are on the same page. Does a "break" mean you're able to go out with other people, or does it mean you stick together still, but not as a couple? Breaks can fall apart if there isn't a mutual understanding on what it is.  

Posted by Latte

Glad it helps~ Also, I'd ask her about what boundaries she had in mind for the break, just so you guys are on the same page. Does a "break" mean you're able to go out with other people, or does it mean you stick together still, but not as a couple? Breaks can fall apart if there isn't a mutual understanding on what it is.

Whoa. Never thought of that one. Definitely keeping that in mind then. I'll most likely discuss that if she decides to talk with me tomorrow. Thanks again!  

Remember, it's not you it's her.

Ignore her and if she's the one she will crawl back to you . The one that cares the least in the relationship is the one that dictates.

 

Posted by GOAT

Remember, it's not you it's her.

Ignore her and if she's the one she will crawl back to you . The one that cares the least in the relationship is the one that dictates.

Yeah, she came back eventually. Thanks for the help guys.  

I would say if she want a break then give her some space but don't totally leave her alone that would be a bit weird tbh and if you do that then she gonna feel like you left her and don't care

and little lately XDDDD  

If you play graal, you don't have a girlfriend.  

Posted by DarkKnight

If you play graal, you don't have a girlfriend.

actually, you don't have a girlfriend because you are a child who blames his problems on something else instead of owning up to them.

Shiz is a cutie 3.14 wouldn't be surprised if he had two

just try to support her as much as you can but don't do it excessively to the point where it bothers her, stress will probably go away soon and everything should be good.  

There are no brakes on the train :^)  

Posted by Colin

actually, you don't have a girlfriend because you are a child who blames his problems on something else instead of owning up to them.

Shiz is a cutie 3.14 wouldn't be surprised if he had two

LOL, THIS GUY IS GETTING A +REP.