Translation request

Post Reply New Topic

When my brother tells me he and his girlfriend of six years are "taking a break" from their relationship, does it mean they're literally taking a break (implying that they plan to get back together in the near future) or is that a way of saying broken up permanently when you want to tiptoe around the problem, much like people say "passed" when they really mean "dead"? Both of them are pointedly avoiding the subject (funny, how they do that after years of unloading their relationship complaints on me), and I'd rather not ask them when they're going to forget their bloated pride and get back together if they're... well... not. Things could get ugly if I do.

(I'm aware I know my brother better than anyone here, but I thought some of you might recognize NT-speak at work)

I'm just as clueless with that phrase as you are, but I'd guess it probably means they're over and done with but just not admitting to everyone else (and maybe themselves) yet.

i would say taking a break can be either. sometmes people do take a break with reasonable intentions of getting back together... like if peopel get together at a young age, they want to experience other things before settling down even if the person is what they want... but yes sometimes the person has NO intentino whatsoever of coming back. i think it just depends on the couple.

then again im a young'n maybe i dont know wtf im talking about but thats my 2cents.

hell_grey, seems to me that you DO know what you're talking about, so don't knock yourself.

in my experience, what hell_grey said is exactly right - depends on the couple, as it can mean either. i've known couples who take a break and then get back together, and those who do so, and never get back together.

how frustrating for you, though, ghotistix - i'd be busting a gut trying to work out what the hell was going on. and i think you're right - it's dodgy to ask if they sdon't want to talk about it. i wouldn't use the "bloated pride" comment, though, as that won't win you any friends... .

keep us posted.

In my experience, it can mean either.

Generally, if it truly means taking a break, the statement is followed by either the reason for the break or a time period.

For example: We are taking a break until (insert name here) finishes school. Or...We are taking a break so we can date others for a bit and make sure our thing is the *real* thing.

The couple usually also talks and remains somewhat friendly during the break.


A *break* where no reason is stated and the parties don't remain friendly almost always means, in my option, "We broke up and don't want to talk about it."

BeeBee

Yeah, I probably won't be using those exact words if I do get curious enough to ask. I like my nose where it is, thanks very much. It just seems a bit backwards that they complain to me -- with a complete lack of irony -- about how miserable their relationship makes them, both of them knowing full well I haven't come close to having a girlfriend my entire life. I would have thought they'd be able to feel happy to have found each other, and after six years would have enough respect for each other not to look to me for support when things go wrong. At least it's taught me what not to do in a relationship.

Thanks for the input, all.

The expressing "taking a break" is usually a euphemism for "breaking up," at least in 90% of all cases. No doubt, some couples get back together, but young people usually don't.