We often think of intimacy as being connective in nature. However it is just as important to know when to disengage. The act of disengagement allows for space and breathing room in the relationship. It gives a change for the mind and body to settle down and become relaxed. Instead of seeing disengagement as an exclusively ‘bad’ thing recognize it also has some very positive benefits in a relationship.
The same principles can be applied to our search for understanding the self. We connect up with things we want to explore. But if we do not take a break and disengage we find we either get very tired or very bitter.
It is finding the right balance between connection and disengagement which often is the determining factor for whether a relationship flourishes or not. The same applies at an individual level.