You remember the line, I’m sure.
You’re a teenager and you’ve just gotten deeply invested in
a relationship that you are convinced is the real deal. Everything is going
swimmingly, and then he or she says those dreaded words:
“I think we need to take some time …”
The desire for time and space apart may be framed in all
manner of imaginative ways: “I was on the rebound”, “It’s too soon”, “My
parents don’t approve” or “I have to concentrate on school right now”. The inexperienced
take it at face value, or at least try to. But those of us who have heard
it before know exactly what it means.
It means you’re done.