"We're on a break" are the infamous words of many on-again, off-again couples that just can't seem to get themselves together—literally.

For some, staying happily committed is a moving target. Some couples keep giving it a shot no matter how many times they miss the mark. But can breaks cause permanent damage to a romantic relationship? Does it weaken the bond that connects you by pressing the pause button, or is it possible to bounce back stronger than ever?

The best-case break scenario is created when two committed partners mutually agree to pause their relationship for the benefit of one or both parties. The break could be prompted by forced or voluntary geographic distance, temporarily increased responsibilities at work or with family that would make it difficult to maintain the normal rhythm of the relationship, or needed time for introspection and self-care.

This type of break does not normally lead to a breakup. Assuming there's been no serious emotional damage inflicted by either partner, the couple can rest on their solid foundation and feel a level of confidence that the relationship will resume as soon as reconnection is possible. Couples in scenarios like this one experience a sense of security because their trust is usually intact before the break begins.

In less ideal situations where partners find themselves at extreme odds with each other, taking a break can closely resemble an adult "timeout."

Hurt or frustrated partners retire to their respective corners in hopes of examining their behavior and resolving to make changes to the relationship or simply move on from it. It's likely that emotional injuries may have occurred from betrayal, toxic communication, or inconsistent efforts. These offenses may prompt one partner to initiate the time apart regardless of the other partner's wishes.

The success of some relationships is all about timing and maturity. It's possible to begin a relationship with someone that proves to have long-term potential if only one or both of you could evolve a bit more in certain areas.

You may feel a strong connection and enjoy spending time together, but some differences pose as barriers and can cause you to question whether the relationship can go the distance.

A few examples of these would be significant age gaps, mismatched earning potential, cleaning habits, views on boundaries, and readiness for marriage or children. Taking a break can provide the time and space needed to evaluate your true compatibility or ability to compromise.

One of the dangerous times to take a break in your relationship is when trust is already at an all-time low. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. If you or your partner has fractured the trust in some way, then it's worth exploring the reason behind the breach.

Even when the trust is intact, there are times when the relationship dynamics may cause partners to be more vulnerable to temptation from outside influences.

Some people say they want to take a break when what they really want or need is to just break up. This can happen for various reasons: Sometimes you're just afraid of pulling the trigger to really end things while other times you know that you want to end your relationship but don't want to feel like the bad guy in the situation.

Timing and distance may cause an involuntary break, but usually breaks are sparked by budding concerns and injuries that have occurred along the way. Take the time to sort through the dynamics that led to the break and understand your role in creating them.

You can increase your chances of creating a healthier relationship if you develop some structured ways to work on the problems that led to the break. Attending therapy alone or as a couple, reading books, watching videos, and listening to podcasts are ways to get new information for your specific concerns.

Ultimately, taking a break doesn't have to spell the end of your relationship if you can agree to specific goals and expectations up front and heal any wounds that left damage. Make sure the changes are more than skin deep, or you may find yourself back in "timeout."