How To Tell Your Partner You Need Alone Time (Without Getting In A Fight)

If you’re worried you don’t have enough alone time in your relationship, don't worry: You can absolutely carve out more alone time without creating havoc between you and your partner. In fact, the below tips will not only help you avoid a fight—they may leave your partner craving a bit more alone time, too!

The healthiest of relationships allow for a solid amount of couple time and also a healthy dose of alone time. The concept of healthy interdependence—being able to depend on a partner while also being self-sufficient in key areas—is a cornerstone of successful relationships.

A request for more alone time can leave a partner feeling rejected, fearful, or worried about the health of the relationship. It's important to be aware of this issue—and to honor that these areas may be unconsciously triggered—as you prepare to talk with your partner.

Orient the discussion toward what you want to create in the relationship moving forward; avoid a blame-oriented focus on any negative habits you or they or both of you might have formed in the past.

Before having a discussion with your partner, take some time to reflect on your wants and needs with respect to more alone time. The greater clarity you have, the more likely your partner will understand and appreciate your desires. Be as specific with yourself as possible so that you know what would make you feel good. For example, you may want a few hours alone each week to exercise, read, or pursue a new creative outlet. Whatever it is you want and need, be prepared to discuss it openly with your partner.

Once you've evaluated your wants and needs, focus on your inner feelings. Does not having enough alone time leave you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or irritable? If you know how you feel, you'll be able to express to your partner more fully how more alone time will alleviate negative feelings such as anxiety or stress.

Expressing your truth simply and honestly will help your partner feel loved while you're asking for what you need. For example, you might say, "I love you and our relationship so much. I wanted to talk with you about a personal need I have."

As you move more deeply into the topic, be sure to use "I" messages and include your feelings. This strategy will help your partner feel safe and secure during the conversation. For example, you might say, "I've realized that I've gotten into a bit of a funk by not doing some of the things I love to do. I've started feeling anxious and depressed—as if I'm not taking good care of myself in a few key areas."

For example, you might say, "It would make me feel so good to take guitar lessons. I've found a class that I'd like to attend for two hours Saturday morning. I also feel a solo run at the end of each workday—about 45 minutes—would do me a world of good. Having a bit of solitary time to de-stress each day would feel great." If you live together, even just asking for more quiet time alone to watch TV by yourself is perfectly valid.

Your partner may also enjoy knowing that you've considered their needs. For example, you might say, "I know you've been wanting more time to connect with your friends and do some online gaming, so perhaps we can free up some space for you to get your needs met, too."

If you feel a bit stressed or anxious about having such a conversation with your partner, take a bit of time to do a practice run in the mirror or with a friend. The stronger and more relaxed you feel, the better your delivery will be.