Sounds like a tuff one to acknowledge, but by the looks of things, she probably took this "time off" or "space" to find her true self, and ultimately discovered that she is not ready for a relationship at the time being, or simply has allot more to life that she needs to enjoy as a single person before she commits to a relationship, something that she obviously could not contemplate while in a bond with you. Also sometimes, a little time off can be the best thing during an edgy or static relationship since it brings out the true feelings and/or desires for one's immediate self at the very moment. Ever heard of the saying that goes... "Love thyself before you love others"? Yeah you guys might care for each other, but maybe you or her are not ready at this very time.
My first girlfriend ever lasted 4 years with me, but 4 years of fighting and arguments. Yeah she was the "first love" and one that I will certainly never forget, but a few times of "space" that we took helped us determine the best for ourselves in the end. Now a days her and my girl are good friends and I hang out with her husband like it's all good. Probably the best thing that happened to both of us is not staying together. Hope it works out for you too!
XL
