Relationships require both give and take from both parties, this is not a new concept. But what happens when the same problems keep occurring and are ?not dealt with or resolved?

That's when "the talk" happens, where the "this ?isn't working", "it's not you, it's me," "maybe we should see other people," are all script staples. When you try to work out your problems and you seem to have exhausted all of your options you come to the fork in the road. Do you take a break or just break it off completely??

While the phrase "break up" sounds so permanent and final, a "break" sounds like that much needed vacation that might do both of you some good. Taking a break would probably be best for those of you whom may have jumped a little too quickly into a relationship that once its past the lovey-dovey honeymoon stage can either forge on or crash and burn.

Once on a break you usually need to discuss the "terms," who knew taking some time ?off from each other could have such stipulations. Do you talk to each other and still hang out? Or is minimal contact the way to go? Can you see other people? Some ways to establish what criteria fits your relationship best would be to ask yourself "how would I feel on the other end?"

For example if you don't want your guy to hook up with another girl while on a break but you might think twice before hooking up with that guy you¹ve been eyeing. And the "I just want to see if I really miss them or if I really care about them the way I think I do."?

People grow up and grow apart it is just a natural progression of life, you are better off breaking up when you know you have really tried to make it work then constantly biting each others heads off.

would be the path of last resort

and to only be used when the ³break² has been exhausted and unsuccessful.

But if you are both miserable and keep having the same arguments over and

over it may be the best opportunity for both parties. You should carefully

weigh your options and the pros and cons of your relationship. If you are

worried about missing them no matter whether or not you are good for each

other you are going to miss the other person especially when you have been

in a long-term relationship. People grow up and grow apart it is just a

natural progression of life, you are better off breaking up when you know

have really tried to make it work then constantly biting each others heads

off.