How We Took a Break: Why My Wife, Our Little Dog, and I Agreed on a Three-Day Separation (and Why a …

How We Broke Up, My Wife and I

Yes, we agreed it was for the best. We made our decision in a calm, sensible mannerboth of us kept our composure, even threw in a few jokes. We are, after all, civilised people.

My wife packed up her belongings. Took our little dog along with her as well.

She left.

Just for three days, to her younger sisters in York.

Well, the girls fancied a bit of a holiday together, as it was half-term. Lounging about as they pleased, chattering away, watching a spot of telly, eating chocolate under the covers, giggling over photos on Instagram. And of course, fussing over the tiny dog.

And me? Oh, not much to report. I didnt dash out for a bottle, nor did I summon my mates for a piss-up. Honestly, I can do without all that.

Well, I did play music loudly in the mornings, Ill admit. And I took it upon myself to thoroughly clean the cooker and the fridgeabout as wild as things got in her absence.

Yesterday, my wife and the dog came back. In the evening. There were hugs, pecks on the cheekthe usual. I even suggested we take the dog for a walk together. Normally, its she who does the walking, and not for very long. We bundled the dog up in her warm little coat and set off for a trek round our block. Strolled side by side, talking and talking. Somewhere along the way, the dog lost her winter boot and we didnt notice at all.

Most evenings, we watch a film or read together. But not this timedidnt watch, didnt read. We went to bed early instead.

You know, Im quite sure that small separations only make a family stronger. In fact, I think theyre necessary at least once or twice a year. Not spurred by quarrels, and certainly no dramatic shouts of Im off to Mothers! No. I mean healthy absences. You agree beforehandsomeone goes off for three days, to a sister or a mates in the Lake District, maybe a couple nights away in Bath. There are different options.

Time away from each other does the world of good, even in the happiest of marriages. A bit of drama is always needed. Domestic bliss is grand, but you must keep the story interestinga little change does everyone good.

And I daresay its essential for a man to be on his own now and then. Not turning wild or drinking whisky at dawnjust on his own. Perhaps its important for a woman too, though Id be a liar if I claimed to know for sure. I suspect, however, that women are generally more sociable and thrive on communication. Who knows, reallynot my area of expertise.

But for men, a brief solitude is a true necessity. Why do husbands go off fishing for the weekend? Is it really about the fish? Hardly. A man simply wants a day or two alone by the water, watching the river, listening to the birdsa kind of meditation, really.

But in the end, the best part is when youre back together. That reunionfull of joy, tenderness, and warmth. Thats what its all for. Hello, my darling!

And then you both turn in early. As early as you possibly can…