Breathing Space?

I'm 37 and my wife is 35 with no kids. We have been married for 15 years. We have been a bit distant for a few months, not sure why. Just not talking much. We are dealing with hurricane damage right now and are in the process of getting started with the repairs.

All of a sudden, last night she tells me she needs "breathing space". She wants to get her own apartment and that's it. She doesn't want a divorce, doesn't want to split finances or belongings. She still wants to come over and help with the dogs. She's all happy and excited about doing this.

I have no idea what is going on in her head. :upset:

I'm not going to sit and pretend like I've been in a similar situation, and therefore can't be sure of the circumstances or how to react, but I can give my logical deduction of what I think would be the correct steps.

I think that the shock of a hurricane, may have literally shook up her life, (I'm very sorry to hear about the incident and your current situation), and maybe she needs some time to collect herself from such a disaster.
So I think it would be smart to abide by her wishes, but make how important she is to you clear. Let her have some space.

No matter what happens, don't give up on anything. Everything works out in its own little way in the end.

I wish you the best of luck in trying times.

Very good post by excowho.
I agree with everything he says.

15 years together means that the two of you are as close to each other as can be. I would suggest that you give her the space that she needs make sure that she knows that she'll have it. Then ask her to explain why she needs it. Just so that you feel that you are in loop of what is going through her mind.

Wow that just completely came out of left field. Without further detail about the relationship I can't really offer much advice, but your wife moving out is never a good sign.