What do you do and what does it mean when your girlfriend of 5 years wants space?
150494
It means she has met another guy. She wants "space" because she wants to be free to date, yet keep you on the string in case the new guy turns out to be a jerk. She can play around and still have the security of  you. Dump her.
211816
a relationship is smthg to ponder on. and if u have been 5 years together, wow that's half a decade. but try to understand smthg good abt ur relatioinship. try to work out, build urself more up, be someone u wanted to be w/ her but she didn't want that or she was not allowing u to do that. learn smthg new, like drawing, programming and so on. go have sports,  read alot of books... in no time, u will fee urself different and ur perspective abt life will change... and maybe in any of those activities u'll find sm1 who can replace her, or at least the emptiness she has created?? good luck
701907
say "you're being too clingy. i  need some space. i love you, but you've just gotta back off" but if you don't love her, just leave out the "i love you" part.
1002646
talk heart to heart...patch up things..if both of you can feel and see that it will really not work at all., then part ways in good terms...let friendship continue the relationship..who knows, the two of you needs only space..
160264
First of all, how long have you been together?  If you have been together for a year or better there is no need to ask that since she has already stuck by you for that long.  If you have been dating for a few months then it is still early enough in the relationship to ask her where she thinks she wants to go with the relationship.  I say just be forward and ask her.
761191
It's not over until it's over.  She clearly just needs her space, and you've given it to her.  Kudos to you!  It would probably not be out of line to give her an occasional call to see how she is.  She will hopefully come around when she sees how nice and supportive you are.
47793
well Im not a guy---but this is exacly what it means--and this is from experience.\nWhen a guy says that--they are basically not interested anymore--either they have meet someone else or is totally loosing interest in you and wants to know if after the space is given to find out if he cares for you or is just "used" to you.\nabout 4 years ago my boyfriend told me the same thing--I was really confused---so I decided to give him what he was asking for--we both agreed we would give eachother 2 months-----and he dated someone else--but after like 3 weeks he was callign me and I realized how much I had missed him too!  WE got back together and have been happy since--so I think a little of space is good in a relationship.
1159703
I can understand why she's feeling distant,I know I would feel overwhelmed...it's a tough call.I would say wait it out,try to get her talk about about what she's feeling,have some patience...it's gotta be a scary time for her and mabe she's afraid to show that?I would at least be there for her and not pressure untill all this is done and behind you both...if you really care about her and she truely wants  this relationship,why riun a good thing?Give her some space.Mabe that's all she needs,to know that you care and are willing to stick by her.
80691
The first part I can't help you with.  Perhaps things weren't moving in the direction she wanted them to.  You'd have to ask her.  The second part is that she didn't want reminders.  This tells me that there's something deeply troubling her about your relationship.
1173856
Hey Buddy,\nperhaps give him space. It can be VERY difficult to do. I actually just ended a 6 year relationship that yes like you we were both in love and boy did i love him...but we argued too much! it ends up becoming sole destroying....\n\nI am in a new relationship now and my motto is to try and NEVER have a fight....3months and going well!! (this is why i live in passive agressive canada lol) \n\nGood luck!! dont give up hope! i think i am like you and clinging too...but perhaps tell him you are thinking of leaving him for a little while. just a temporary break up. Stay monogomous but just dont see each other for 2 weeks...see how you go...
16837
Dude... it as easy as reading your letter... The relationship is over and she just wants to drag it out to see if she can find someone else and compare awhile (and it sounds like she already has).Anytime someone moves on like this the relationship is never the same anyway. It will alway be unequal and ultimately a drama field to play in... with her holding all the chips.Tell her what SHE WANTS TO HEAR AND MOVE ON...because this is what she seems like she is doing to you rite now.  Remember you have been in a 5 yr relationship and probably need a break anyway.Is this a pattern with her? Does she alway dangle carrots and rattle bones?It sounds like the old shell game, which one is she under ,wonder wonder...wonder. You are young and will find someone else because you sound like a good, descent person. So good luck and be strong...\nyou will find someone else..dont wait three months before you start looking...go on.. do it because you can always swear you didnt..listen get your chips too because you got to get them.. your gonna need as much momentum as you can  to get back into the swing of dating... the wiz
694056
See, I never understood how people always ask for their space.  My wife and I share the same space, and do not yearn to have our own time.  If she wants to go shopping or work out, she asks if I want to come...I will go if I feel like it, but she doesn't force me to go or not go.  Just do what you want to do, and if he wants to participate, let him.  If he doesn't, then you have your time.  Is he right for you if you don't want him around for some of your activities?  Anyways, if you want him to realize that you want your space, tell him "I need a bit of space."  Simple
875944
First, is your girlfriend an adult?\n\nDo you own her?\n\nIt is not a question of whether you are "letting" her go, it is a question of whether she decides to go.\n\nJust be thankful that she told you. You let her know what your preference is, but ultimately she is her own person and she'll have to decide whether or not to honor your preference.
18448
No one can answer that except her. You need to sit and communicate your feelings to her and the expectations you have of your relationship. Maybe she feels the same way but there is something else going on in her life that you do not know about. Or maybe, she is no longer interested in you and is trying to find a way to end things without hurting your feelings. Either way, it is best that you both find out where you each stand.
329194
#1 Rule.  Women always want a challenge and things they can't have. It's just a fact of life..there brains work different than mens.     So you can either be  her new challenge or you can be that sappy wus that calls her 10 times a day that makes u not even remotely close to being a challenge.  If you really want her back...respect her decision, give her space.....and work on yourself..Create a life for yourself that will amaze her, and a life that will make her want to be part of.  Giving her space is tough to do, and seems like the exact opposite of what you feel like doing..that's why it's so tough.  But hanging on for dear life just gets you further away from her heart.   A women will fall for a guy that shows her utmost respect of her wish of needing space and time. But during that time...again work on yourself, find out  how you want to be treated by a girlfriend, and what kind of changes you need to make to make a women treat you that way.  Read some books on women and relationships....treat it like a test you need to study for.
1144796
all you have to do is wait coz i too have this problem we are even 5 yrs ++...we both wanted to settle down but you should also cosider some things and make sure u are ready for it. maybe ur bf has still other priorities this time and maybe he is just preparing himself for the future..
825197
i think he is playing around, he doesnt want a relationship with u...hes just making a fool out of u. hes taking u for granted...he can see u, chat with u , flirt around,,,wat more a guy wants. i think u should be strong n confident in taking the decision. tell him straight away that u need space and its over!!!!!! :)\ngood luck