Hes asked for some time/space/ break whatever you want to call it 😢

[believeimheartbroken]

Hi guys.

Just looking for a little hand hold as Im falling to bits right now 😢.
Been with my dp for 6 years...I have 2 children and he has 3 older children. We dont live together which suits us both fine. I get on with his kids and he dotes on mines (11 &8).
Since the summer time things havent really been right. He had a lot going on at his work....started smoking again which he hadnt done since before I met him and he then changed jobs. I hated the smoking and it nearly broke us up but hes stopped and settled in his newjob. We went away on holiday for a week in November and had a brilliant time,just the 2 of us. Felt we had turned a corner and looking forward to christmas and new year.
Hes now said on new years eve that he doesnt know if he wants this anymore. Hes 52 and says hes getting to old for having arguments. We have always had an argumentative relationship but nothing serious and always made us sort out the issue/problem and made us stronger. As the air was cleared. Im not talking shouting arguing just differences.
Im absolutely devastated and heartbroken! He said to give him some space and time...but how long is that?
Can a relationship come back from this or is this the end?

Sounds to me like the end. The arguments might be the reason or there may be something else hes not telling you.
Why would you nearly break up with someone for starting smoking again? That sounds very controlling of you. Also what were the differences/arguments about? I think you need to look at your own behaviour as well.