Difficult

How to tell someone you need space over text

Needing space isn't rejection — but it reads as one if you over-explain. Say it plainly, name that it's not about ending things.

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Three ways to say it

Scenario 1

A friendship has gotten too intense lately

What you'd type

“i really value our friendship but i think i need a little bit of space right now, it's not about you specifically i just have a lot going on and need some room to breathe”

LessBot

What to send

I need a bit of space right now — not about you, just need some room to breathe.

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Scenario 2

A partner is texting too much during your workday

What you'd type

“i love hearing from you but i've been getting really behind at work because i keep responding to texts throughout the day, could we maybe save the longer conversations for evenings?”

LessBot

What to send

Can we save the longer conversations for evenings? I'm falling behind at work.

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Scenario 3

A family member wants daily calls and it's too much

What you'd type

“i love talking to you but daily calls have started to feel like a lot with everything else going on, would it be okay if we did a couple times a week instead?”

LessBot

What to send

Can we do calls a couple times a week instead of daily? Still want to talk — just less.

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Scenario 4

You need space after a big argument

What you'd type

“i don't want to talk about this anymore tonight, i'm not trying to shut you out i just need some time to think before we keep going, can we pick this up tomorrow?”

LessBot

What to send

I need to stop for tonight and think. Not shutting you out — let's pick this up tomorrow.

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Common questions