How would you determine the length of a relationship if it’s been on and off? (Read Details)

Maybe a strange question, but it’s something I’ve often thought of. I’ve known people who will be together for a while, then break up for whatever reason, then get back together. If you’re together for a year, but take a break for six months then get back together for another six months, have you been together for two years or a year and six months? Or would you consider it new and only say six months?
Of course, if you get back with someone and spend twenty or so years with them the six month break will become irrelevant. But I’ve thought about this a lot - not because it’s that important or anything, but I just find it interesting. I’ve seen people take year long breaks from each other, in which they see other people, and still consider that a part of their relationship.
Again, I realize this isn’t that important, I just find it interesting how different people perceive it. What are your thoughts?

SW-User

Nah, i just count from the beginning until the end. If we take a break in between, i still count it.

KatieKatze · 22-25, F

I can understand that. If you’re with someone for twenty years but had a six month break fifteen years ago, it wouldn’t make sense to count it. I guess it depends on the break, though. The size and what happened during. I’ve known people who maintained other serious relationships within breaks, so it seems a little different to me.