If your relationship has hit a rough patch, sometimes the best thing to do is step away for a while to let things heal.
While taking a break can seem like a daunting prospect, if it's done right, it can give couples some much needed perspective, according to Sydney sexologist .
'It can be a great way to get some space from the issues you might be facing and work things out,' Dr Goldstein wrote on her blog.
However, Dr Goldstein said making the situation work required some delicate handling as one or both could be feeling particularly vulnerable.
Her key suggestion for those considering a temporary separation was to get really clear on why they wanted to take time out in the first place.
'You need to identify why it is that you can’t do that whilst together.'
The expert said couples reaching the point of needing a break may have become overly familiar with the other person and should use time apart to see where their true feelings lay.
Dr Goldstein also said as well as being clear about the reasons for the break, couples should take some time to outline the rules.
The most important of these is dating other people - a situation that can be therapeutic for some or damaging to others.
Five things to know about taking a break:
* A break doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship - it can be used to as a way to reset or heal a rift
* Before taking a break, make sure you outline boundaries around dating and contact
* Be careful not to tell too many people
* Use the time as a way to assess your true feelings about the relationship
* Don't use a break as a way to avoid confront larger problems or difficult conversations
'Some people want to date others to get that chance to see if they miss their partner nearly by comparison,' she said.
'Others feel that it’s too close to breaking up.'
Whether or not to have regular contact with the person you are taking a break from was also something Dr Goldstein said should be discussed ahead of time.
* A break doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship - it can be used to as a way to reset or heal a rift
* Before taking a break, make sure you outline boundaries around dating and contact
* Be careful not to tell too many people
* Use the time as a way to assess your true feelings about the relationship
* Don't use a break as a way to avoid confront larger problems or difficult conversations
'Some people want to date others to get that chance to see if they miss their partner nearly by comparison,' she said.
'Others feel that it’s too close to breaking up.'
Whether or not to have regular contact with the person you are taking a break from was also something Dr Goldstein said should be discussed ahead of time.