Instead of thrusting himself into another relationship, or taking on life as a Hollywood playboy, he threw himself into his own form of healing: work. Instead of a conversation or declaration as to why pulling back for self-reflection and honesty is necessary, it’s weaponized as a means to escape, especially when men hold the phrase in their back pockets. It sounds like a sledgehammer to a relationship. Four men talk about why they needed to take a break from casual sex and dating and what that time afforded them. Photography by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash.