Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Here's how you can ask for personal space in a relationship, because everyone needs it!

TNN | Last updated on - Mar 30, 2019, 09:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/8

​The tricky situation

The initial months of a relationship are all rosy. The romance is at its peak, you learn something new about your partner every day and staying in touch round the clock seems to be the most exciting thing to do. But with time, this honeymoon phase fades away and you might start craving for me-time in the same relationship.

Well, confessing this to your partner can be a tricky situation. Either your partner would understand its completely that you need some personal space or might panic thinking there is something wrong in the relationship. Here’s how you can deal with this situation without creating any misunderstandings or having arguments with your partner.

2/8

​Play it smart

There is a high probability that your partner might doubt that you don't find him or her interesting enough and this is why you are asking for some personal space. To make this conversation little comfortable and casual, talk about your plans for your coming date along with the request for some me-time. Try saying something like, “I want to spend half an hour alone every evening to rejuvenate myself but I am really excited to go out this Friday night!” It would help you both to spend quality time together and make your partner feel secure in the relationship as well.

3/8

​Explain the exact reasons

While talking about your personal space, make sure you explain why you exactly need it. Be honest and explain that you enjoy your partner’s company but spending me-time helps you to refresh yourself after a hectic day and spend the rest of the day in a calmer and happier mood.

4/8

​It is not about the relationship

Be careful with the words you choose and explain you need this time for yourself and not for fixing any issue in the relationship. Talking about this would clarify why you need personal space to focus on your well-being and in turn, stop your partner from over-analysing anything.

5/8

​Be in your partner’s shoes

It is really important to think about the situation from your partner’s perspective as well and be willing to understand his or her concern. They might think about a hundred negative situations, get concerned and ask countless questions from time to time. You need to stay patient throughout and make them understand it is completely normal for a partner to seek some me-time.

6/8

​Take baby steps

Needing some personal space does not mean you shut the door and sit alone for hours the very next day after having the conversation about it with your partner. What might be a normal thing for you could be something highly unusual for your partner. Start with baby steps and gradually develop a routine. It could start with fifteen minutes a day and then you both can mutually figure out how to incorporate in your daily life.

7/8

​Keep your partner informed!

To make sure your partner does not feel left out, try talking to him or her about what you do in your alone-time. Whether you are reading a book, listening to music, surfing the Internet or simply sitting, talking about it, at least for the initial days, would only make your lover understand you better.

8/8

​How to make it work

Here’s another trick to treat this entire me-time concept like a normal affair. Once you are done spending time with yourself, reconnect with your partner immediately. You can cuddle, go for a long walk, watch a video together, talk about your day and gradually, your actions would prove your relationship is only getting healthier.

(All images used here are representational)

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Spanish proverb of the day: “A man does what he can; a woman does what…”
  • This state in the U.S. has the most active volcanoes; no it's not Hawaii
  • Lalit Modi's 5 big revelations about love and life: ‘Diamond Digger’ remark, dating Sushmita Sen, one regret that still haunts him
  • 10 rare snakes found in the Amazon rainforest and what travellers should know
  • Personality test: The gift box you pick reveals what you seek in your friendships
  • Expert says these 5 toddler behaviours may feel frustrating to parents, but they are completely normal
  • African proverb of the day: “A man will never heed the voice of a woman until it is too late.”
  • Inside Malaysia's Snake Temple where venomous vipers live among prayer halls and people worship alongside them
  • Influencer gives rare peek into what life is really like inside Himalayan yogi caves near Badrinath; finds surprising objects inside
Photostories
  • Doctor explains 4 health markers that may reveal your heart attack and stroke risk before symptoms appear
  • Office commute in 45°C? Here are 5 summer survival hacks every working woman needs
  • 10 rare snakes found in the Amazon rainforest and what travellers should know
  • Expert says these 5 toddler behaviours may feel frustrating to parents, but they are completely normal
  • Kangana Ranaut skips fast fashion, embraces handloom royalty in Gaurang Shah’s majestic Kanjeevaram saree
  • Benefits of Tulsi Mala according to hindu traditions
  • 8 metro corridors driving residential growth and transforming India's urban housing landscape
  • Green anacondas can do THIS? 10 facts that may surprise you
  • Katrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor Khan: Bollywood actresses who became mothers after 40 and broke stereotypes
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    Expert says these 5 toddler behaviours may feel frustrating to parents, but they are completely normal
  • 11
    10 rare snakes found in the Amazon rainforest and what travellers should know
  • 5
    Kangana Ranaut skips fast fashion, embraces handloom royalty in Gaurang Shah’s majestic Kanjeevaram saree
  • 5
    ​Quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: 'If you can make a woman laugh, you can make her do anything'​
  • 8
    Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers is now open for 2026: Everything travellers need to know before visiting
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Relationships
  • /
  • Love & Sex
  • /
  • Here's how you can ask for personal space in a relationship, because everyone needs it!
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 4, 2026, 05.40AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service