A break precedes a break up... similar to the 'two week notice' you give your job before you quit.
Best to use this time to find someone better... or get used to being on your own again... because the break up is sure to follow... or a series of 'on again, off again' scenarios as the relationship undergoes the death throws before an official break up.
"The weakest soul, knowing its own weakness, and believing this truth that strength can only be developed by effort and practice, will, thus believing, at once begin to exert itself, and, adding effort to effort, patience to patience, and strength to strength, will never cease to develop, and will at last grow divinely strong."
- James Allen