When a stranger gets uncomfortably close to us without our permission, we can easily sense an irritation or anxiety rising within us.

Personal space is the physical area around us that we believe we have psychological ownership of. Having a personal space means building a social boundary that we want no one to step into without our permission.

We quickly understand when a person has invaded our personal space. We instinctively know what that person has done is downright rude, if not also creepy.

Unfortunately, the problem is that most of us do not understand how to handle it.

But when we know how to keep our personal space sacrosanct without offending the other person, it lets us function with inner peace.

So, how do we maintain a personal space without feeling abandoned or appearing to be a threat?

Why it is important to have personal space?

Sadly, some people do not value our personal space. They completely steamroll over our person’s feelings and keep a foot permanently in our personal space, implying that they do not respect our boundaries.

Personal space exists in all relationships, and we should undoubtedly let everyone have it without feeling uncomfortable.

Smothering your loved ones by invading their personal space is never a nice way to show them your affection. Abusing the personal space of a romantic partner is a potential recipe for a breakup.

• Letting each other spend some quiet time apart is an excellent way to allow self-care and maintain a healthy relationship. In fact, giving personal space is as essential in relationships as forgiveness and empathy.

• While spending time together is good for strengthening your relationship, giving each other space is also important. Spending too much time together can easily become toxic and suffocating.

• While spending quiet time away from each other is a good way to relax and catch a mental break.

• Having an inviolable personal space is vital for reducing conflicts in relationships. It helps improve the mental health of the partners since they can use their time apart for personal comfort and self-care.

Most requests for personal space are totally normal, but they majorly apply to trustworthy individuals.

If your partner has a history of cheating, lying, and being non-committal to the relationship, then their asking for space should get you suspicious.

Conversely, partners in a healthy relationship who trust each other will not think twice about granting their significant other personal space and time.

3 Rules To Keep Personal Space In A Relationship

Here's how, step by step:

Step 1: Talk to your partner know about it.

Spending a lot of quality time with your partner is critical for strengthening your bond. However, if you need some alone time each week or month, make sure you help your partner understand why, when, and how.

Talking openly about your need for personal space allows both of you to recognize each other's core concerns. It also removes any doubts from your partner's mind about whether you want personal space for cheating on them.

Explaining your need for space makes them appreciate that you are doing it for your mental health and not because you don’t appreciate their company.

Step 2: Create plans for your personal space.

Time spent away from your partner to engage in self-care and self-love is vital for revitalizing your spirits and finding fulfillment in life.

So, for your long-term physical and mental well-being, make time for yourself and indulge in personal comfort activities.

You may read a book, watch a movie, or spend a relaxing day at the spa. You may choose to go on a bike ride across the countryside or a weekend rock-climbing session.

You may plan your personal space around the same time. For example, you could lock yourself away in the garage to write a book or finish a painting while your partner is doing something else at another place in the house.

Remember, you can stay in your personal comfort zone as long as you feel necessary, but always let your partner know about your plans.

Step 3: Set relationship boundaries.

Every healthy relationship should have these six psychological boundaries between the partners.

The setting of boundaries starts with this: sincere, respectful, and timely communication. So, let your partner explicitly know what you like or dislike, including your preferred personal space zones.

Inform them of the times that you plan to go into your cave and what you intend to do while there. Most importantly, they should know how to contact you if there is an urgent need.

When you set up healthy boundaries, both you and your partner will automatically know when to let each other be in your personal space.

Final Words

Every relationship needs personal space. No one needs to be around each other or do things together all the time.

Taking time apart and doing things you love without your significant other's presence is essential for nurturing a healthy and positive relationship.

You are more likely to sustain your mental balance and live peacefully with each other if you periodically use your personal space for uninterrupted self-indulgent activities.