Identify why you need space in your relationship. Asking for space sends the message that something is wrong in the relationship and taking time away from it will fix the problem. Pinpointing why you need space, whether you feel suffocated or want to pursue a relationship with someone else, will help direct the answers to your boyfriend's questions about your decision.

Decide what you want out of the relationship. Do you want to continue dating your boyfriend after asking for space, or are you considering breaking up with him and using the space you've asked for as a jumping-off point? Your boyfriend will likely want to know where your relationship stands after you ask for space. If your goal is to ultimately break up with him, it may be a more productive and a better use of your time to break up with him now rather than first asking for space and then breaking up with him later.

Find the right place and time to discuss your need for space with your boyfriend. Choose a quiet place where you can both talk free from distraction about your choice. Choosing a quiet, yet public place such as a coffee shop or frozen yogurt bar may prevent your boyfriend from making a scene while you break the news to him.

Focus on what you want and need, not on what your boyfriend does or does not do in the relationship. Use "I" statements such as "I am unhappy" or "I need time to re-evaluate our relationship" to place responsibility on yourself for requesting space. This also prevents accusatory statements such as "You don't make me happy" and "You don't give enough to the relationship." Taking ownership of your feelings may make asking for space less awkward, while also leaving the door open in the event that you decide to rekindle the relationship at a later point.

Set clear and direct guidelines with your boyfriend, including how long you expect to keep space in your relationship and how you would like to handle the relationship during this period. This includes determining how frequently you and your boyfriend will talk, text or hang out after requesting space. You also may want to discuss whether you will be seeing other people during this time.

Give a clear indication of how long you expect your boyfriend to respect your space in the relationship. Whether you just need to take a break for a week or think that a more indefinite time period is needed, give your boyfriend a timeline of how long he should be expected to give you your space.

Respect your boyfriend's right to disagree with your choice. While you may want space in the relationship, he may not. If he believes that your request for space is a deal breaker and wants to cut the relationship off, allow him to do so without any further drama.