I need time alone. I swallow the words again at the red light.
I try to tell my partner I want some time alone, but every time I stop at a red light, I rework the sentence.
Scenes
- The words I want to say keep getting shorter — When I stop at a red light, “I want some time alone” comes to mind. I shorten the sentence before I say it.
- An apology comes before the request — After “I want to spend this weekend on my own,” I try to add “I’m sorry” and an explanation. The longer the request gets, the harder it is to say.
- Wanting time alone is a boundary — Setting a boundary isn’t pushing someone away; it’s saying what each of you needs to feel at ease. Sharing when you want time and why makes the request clearer.
- You can leave out the explanation for now — Tonight, try writing in your notes: “I need some time to myself this week.” You don’t have to include a reason for your request to come across.
- There are words left to say after the request — This one sentence won’t settle the whole conversation. After you hear your partner’s response, you can also talk together about how to make time for both of you to rest.
Stories by Yeonhwa
- Yeonhwa
- At the company dinner, I wonder if I can let go of an old habit.
- My heart feels torn on the way to work
- I was only being kind. Why am I being called a flirt?
- When payday comes, I count who likes whom more.
- The way people spend at work dinners keeps catching my attention.
- I keep thinking about the conversation that ended, every afternoon.
- On my way to work, I heard about a big expense.
- On their birthday morning, you hold back the greeting, afraid your feelings might show.