How to respond?
For you it’s the first time your hearing about a problem while your girlfriend has likely been thinking about it for a while. So it’s fair for you to ask for time and space so that you might better come to terms with what is being asked of you.

My opinion is that when such a request is made it needs to be taken seriously and respected.

That said you deserve to know what she means by giving space… No contact, limited contact, seeing others…. How will both of you know when it’s time to talk about whatever is behind the need for space?

What is the real meaning? The likely hood is that she does not know herself which may be why see needs space, so speculating will just make you crazy and if you argue about it likely end up reinforcing any misgivings she has.

When you both of you understand what giving space will look like let her know that stepping back and giving space does not mean you are giving up and don’t want to ‘fight’ for the relationship. You can’t read her mind (so don’t) Let her know that you expect her to let you know when it’s time to talk and that when she does you may need time to take in the information so that you can respond vice react to the emotions you may be experiencing when she tells you.

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by Peter.