When your girlfriend wants space the first emotion you’re likely to experience is panic. Even though she may not have used the words “break up” or “split” you know that that’s where the relationship is headed. Whenever someone claims they need some time apart to sort through their feelings or to find themselves, it’s actually just a very gentle way of saying that they’re no longer getting what they want from the relationship or from you. If you’re still in love with your girlfriend, giving her that space may feel like you’re agreeing with the beginning of the end. It doesn’t have to be. Understanding what steps you should be taking right now will ensure that the relationship stays together and becomes stronger than ever.

Crying, pleading or begging with your girlfriend may feel like the best thing to do but it’s not. When your girlfriend wants space and you continually try and convince her to change her mind, you are actually causing irreparable damage. Through your actions you are showing her that you don’t respect what she needs or wants. If you truly want to keep her in love with you, you need to give her the space she’s asked for. Don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that this indeed means you won’t get her back. You’ll actually stand a much better chance if you do respect her wishes. She’ll be touched and honored that you’ve put her needs before your own. She’ll also see that you’re mature enough to handle emotional upsets. That’s impressive to any woman.

The other thing you must do if you want to keep your relationship with your girlfriend strong is to give her some time alone. Most men find this too challenging and they can’t follow through with it. You need to though if your goal is to keep the relationship intact. When your girlfriend wants space she’s expecting you to fight her on it because she knows you adore her. She’ll be prepared to deal with all of your arguments about why space and time aren’t good for the relationship. She’s also ready for you to continually call her or visit her all in an effort to win her back. That’s why it’s so important that you not do those things. Instead, you should be doing the exact opposite. Don’t talk to her for a few weeks. Give her exactly what she wants and allow her the chance to see what her life would actually be like without you. She’ll get a taste of rejection when you don’t call and it will change her perspective. This works and if you find the willpower to follow through with it, she’ll be the one calling you to talk before long.