BRB is a common online chat abbreviation that stands for “Be Right Back.” It indicates that someone needs to temporarily pause the conversation, but will return shortly. In the context of relationships, people often use BRB when they get interrupted during a text or messaging conversation with their partner. Here are some quick answers about what BRB means in different relationship situations:
Using BRB Casually
In casual usage, BRB simply signals a brief pause in messaging. For example:
- My partner texts “BRB” when they need to take a call from work or a family member.
- “BRB, doorbell just rang” indicates that they need to answer the door.
- “BRB bio break” means they are pausing to use the restroom.
In these mundane situations, BRB conveys that the interruption will just take a few minutes at most.
Using BRB to Manage Conflict
During disagreements or heated conversations, people may use BRB to take a breather and calm down before continuing the discussion. For example:
- “BRB I need a minute” gives them space to cool off if emotions are running high.
- “BRB let me think about what you said” allows time to carefully consider their partner’s perspective.
- “BRB walking the dog” lets them briefly exit the argument to clear their head.
In these situations, BRB signals that they do intend to resume the conversation after regrouping. It’s a way to manage conflict and avoid saying things they might regret in the heat of the moment.
Using BRB to Avoid Challenging Topics
Some individuals use BRB disingenuously to get out of conversations they find uncomfortable or anxiety-provoking. For instance:
- They say “BRB” when their partner asks about meeting their family or discussing the future of the relationship.
- BRB is used to delay talks about exclusivity in dating or having “the talk” about becoming official.
- One partner says BRB frequently when conversations veer towards marriage, moving in together, or other serious commitments.
Frequent and conveniently timed BRBs could indicate fear of intimacy, commitment issues, or not being on the same page about the relationship. Clear communication is key to aligning mutual expectations in these cases.
Prolonged Use of BRB
While BRB implies a brief pause, overusing it vaguely or for extended periods of time can be problematic. Some concerning ways partners may use BRB include:
- Frequently vanishing for long stretches without explanation after saying BRB.
- Using BRB misleadingly when they actually have no intention of returning to the conversation.
- Repeatedly citing excuses like “BRB crazy day at work” but taking hours or days to message back.
Prolonged and ambiguous use of BRB could indicate disinterest, unwillingness to commit time to the relationship, or potential infidelity in some cases.
Setting Expectations Around BRB
To avoid miscommunications about BRB, couples can:
- Agree on a time limit for how long is reasonable for BRB, like 20-30 minutes.
- Clarify next steps if they need more than the agreed upon BRB window.
- Confirm when resuming a chat that everything is okay after an extended BRB.
Setting some norms around how long is typical for BRB can mitigate confusion or frustration on both sides.
Alternatives to BRB
Some phrases that can be used instead of BRB if someone needs more than a few minutes include:
- “I’ve got to run, talk to you later!”
- “Sorry, something just came up. Can we connect tonight/tomorrow?”
- “I have to take care of a couple things, I’ll text you when I’m free.”
Using more descriptive language reduces ambiguity and sets clear expectations about response time.
Conclusion
BRB has a variety of meanings in relationships. In most cases, it signals a brief, benign interruption in messaging. But overusing BRB vaguely, misleadingly, or passive-aggressively can strain trust and communication. Partners who establish shared norms around BRB and communicate clearly when needing more time can avoid misunderstandings.