What should I do when he wants to take a break? (Please read the context)?

[Anonymous]

He has been going through a lot with work and his family, we have been dating for 2 years and he seems depressed and very stresses lately, we only went out twice in the past 2 months and we argued a couple of times because I was tired of him being so distant.
when I saw him last week, I realized how he is under pressure both because of work and a family issue. I told him he doesn’t need to worry about meeting up with me and we can just talk on the phone for a while until he sort things out. All was OK until last night when he called me and I could hear him argue with his father at the same time. He apologized and said he will call me back. But he didn’t, he instead messaged me and said, can I choose to be alone for a while? I said of course, you should take care of yourself first. But I asked him to call me so we can talk before we take a break. He hasn’t called yet. And at this point I’m not even sure what I want to or should say to him. We love each other very much and this situation is totally weird to me, I’m absolutely confused.

[Anonymous]

A male friend once told me that breaks shouldn’t exist, because that person shouldn’t be able to pick and choose when you’re going to matter. Your man is going through a lot, and if he’s not in a place where he feels like he can prioritize a relationship, even though it’s hurtful for you, it’s best to respect that choice.
If he really wanted to, he’d let you be there to support him and get through this hard time as a couple. At this juncture, with the arguments and strain there is on your relationship, it seems as though trying to prioritize you is only adding to his hardships.

You have the right to feel blindsided and hurt, especially since this isn’t what you want. He needs this time to himself though, so give him that. Not as a break though, you can’t just put relationships on pause until you feel like picking it back up again.
It’s wrong to do that to a person, hence my opening statement. Call it quits, try to stay busy and recover from this. If he wants to talk eventually, whether or not you want to do that after this pain he’s caused is truly up to you.

[Asker]

Thanks! We finally talked and he opened up about his depression, we agreed to pause the relationship but continue talking to each other until he figures things out. I think he was worried about me freaking out over him being distant but I assured him he has nothing to worry about. Hope we’ll get past this soon.

[Opinion Owner]

Please be careful with taking a break, that is a confusing space to navigate and you will find yourself hurt and disappointed if it doesn’t result in you getting back together. It’s hard to be just friends when you want more. Here’s hoping you two figure it out.

[Anonymous]

Wanting to take a break is code, for it is as good as over.

Time to move on.

[WhiteBorr]

When a guy (or gal) says they just want to take a break, they are keeping it civil while saying it's over. Don't wait around.

[Asker]

It’s just so sudden, I don’t understand

[WhiteBorr]

It's not uncommon for people to suddenly find out their partner has been wanting to split with them for a long time.