Is it really smart to end my relationship just before the summer vacation?

If you're already doubting and not in the mood for hassle under the sun, it can actually be liberating. Summer provides space and clarity—perfect for a fresh start.

How do I know if my relationship needs a break or is just over?

Do you feel relief from distance? Then it might be more than a phase. Do you really miss him? Then a break can actually be clarifying.

What if I miss him during the vacation—should I get in touch?

Let the emotion settle for a moment and feel what you are missing: the person or the feeling? Wait until after your vacation to reach out with a clear mind.

Can you save a shaky relationship after a summer break?

Sure! As long as both of you want to and are willing to talk honestly and change. Think of it as a reset, not a repetition of the old script.

Dating

Summer vacation incoming? Why it's good to end your relationship now

By Keesje Avezaat | #!31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:005431#31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531 07am31am-31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:009Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2025312025Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200539537amMonday=9#!31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#07-07-2025#!31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:005431#\/31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531#!31Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:53:54 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#

man and woman young in bedroom looking at each other seriously relationship falling apart

Okay okay, don't text your soulmate right away: ‘Babe, it’s over.’ Because not every relationship needs a break just before the drinking holiday comes. Believe me: it can actually be a very smart idea to pause a shaky relationship before you fully surrender to the summer vacation.

Arguing every day? No one wants that, of course. And whether you and your dooming boyfriend are going on vacation together or each doing a week of long-distance drama from two different party cities—this is exactly why you need to end your downhill-rolling relationship now, now, now.

Break-up season has already been upon us

Yup, first this: the season of ended relationships has already been upon us: It was break up season babe! That peak is just after spring, right before summer. The season when all relationships worldwide seem to end. The reasons?

First up: Seasonal change = mental reset: After winter and spring, many people feel more energetic and clearer. Well, you might not actually like your partner that much. Oh, and those vacation plans? Helloooo reality check. The last reasons that relationships end just after spring? Well, in summer all that social pressure spontaneously disappears. Spring is busy: festivals, parties, Easter. Dopamine overload! And when you're done and realize that love no longer sparks, well... then break-up season is your wake-up call.

Why a shaky relationship during summer is not a good plan

I hate to break it to you, but I'm just going to say it: if your relationship is already hanging by a thin thread, why would you spend the whole vacation dealing with those problems when you can also use summer as reset time? Believe me: if you want to be without a man for a while, do it in the summer. Am I right?

Just, take a break. No big dramatic break-up, no hatchet. But clear: this summer you do without him. You explain that you need time for yourself, that you feel you both are not at your best, and that you need a breather to really feel what you want. No weird in-between phase where you still text each other “for appearances”—no. Real distance. That’s how you create clarity –love it.

What agreements do you make (or not)?

No-contact: it sounds drastic, but it works.
Set a date to possibly talk again and see each other. Don't block right away.
(unless it is!!!!!), but do explain that you want to take the peace. is toxic. Here are 11 signs that you are in a. relationship. is toxic. And above all:.
stay respectful. Okay, maybe that’s sometimes hard, but believe me, with respect you get a long way. How to handle the break best? Sincere and clean is THE way. No games, no ghosting, don’t block each other. Make agreements and stick to your word. Don’t text him after two rosés, just because you suddenly miss his puppies (do… not… do… it).

What then? After the vacation?.

Check your feelings

and do a reset. Do you really miss him? Discuss what you missed and why you want to go for each other again now. Make sure you don’t fall back into old patterns, but start fresh together. Do you feel especially calm without him? Then give yourself the space to really let go, without doubt or guilt. Write down what you have learned, and focus on what you need for a nice future—solo or not. Tips to keep a shaky relationship standing.

Maybe not everyone wants to just 'give up' in a relationship—and you know what? Go girl. I’m all for a healthy recovery relationship. Here are the tips to save a shaky relationship.

Make agreements about your vacation. For example: each take a few days for yourself.

Communicate your doubts. No drama, just openness.
These words are best avoided during communication. Check if you still really have fun together, no? Go do something fun and make it a day out.
Plan moments without your phone. Just the two of you.
Remind each other why you started in the first place.
Set boundaries for irritation. Don’t let things boil over.
This is how you deal with finding your partner annoying. Zo ga je om met het irritant vinden van je partner.

Not only in romantic terms: This also applies to friendships

And yes, this whole story is not just about romance. Some friendships are just as suffocating as a relationship - believe me. You know: that friend who is always negative and sucks energy with a capital S. You can hit the pause buttons in that too (yes, really).

Send a sweet message. Explain that you need space, or gradually take a little more space. No idea when you should walk away from a relationship? Here are 5 reasons why you can pause a friendship for a while.

Image: Netflix