A relationship is a journey that takes many different twists and turns. There are many stages that a couple goes through, from the first date to the golden years.
This blog post will discuss the most common and different stages that a relationship goes through and what you can do to make sure your relationship thrives during each stage.
“We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” — John Lennon
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5. Discovery & Attraction
This is when you first meet someone and feel that initial spark of attraction. This is the “honeymoon” phase, where everything seems new and exciting. You can’t get enough of each other, and you want to spend all your time together.
During this stage, it’s critical to:
- Keep the spark alive by trying new things together and keeping your conversations fresh.
- Be patient; even though it feels like things are moving fast, it’s important not to rush into anything serious too quickly.
In addition, during this stage, you may find that:
- You start to learn more about each other’s families and friends.
- You begin to share more intimate details about your lives with each other.
- You begin to make plans for the future together.
- Show your appreciation for one another often; this will also help keep the spark alive.
4. Perspective Shifts
After the honeymoon phase, reality starts to set in. This is when you get to know each other and begin to see each other’s flaws. It’s normal to have some disagreements during this stage, but it’s important to learn how to communicate effectively with each other so that you can resolve any issues.
It’s essential to note that:
- Work on communicating effectively with each other; this will help you resolve any disagreements that come up.
- Start talking about your long-term goals and plans for the future together.
Some signs include:
- An increase in time with each other’s families and friends.
- More knowledge is revealed about each other’s likes and dislikes.
- You start to talk about your future plans together.
During this stage, it is vital to keep communication open so that you can resolve any disagreements that come up. It is also important not to rush into anything too quickly. Talk about your long-term goals and plans for the future together so that you are on the same page.
3. The Power Struggle Phase
This is the stage where many relationships start to falter. The initial spark has faded, and you see each other’s flaws more clearly. You may find yourselves disagreeing more often and feeling like you’re not on the same page. This is a normal part of any relationship, but it’s essential to learn how to communicate effectively with each other so that you can resolve any issues.
Common Signs:
- Fights over the most simple things
- You start to feel like you’re not on the same page.
- A sense of powerlessness
It’s critical to:
- Don’t take each other for granted; continue to show your appreciation for one another.
- Try to find common ground so that you can move forward together.
The power struggle phase is a normal part of any relationship, but it’s important to learn how to communicate effectively with each other so that you can resolve any issues.
During this stage, it’s essential to work on communicating effectively with each other; this will help you resolve any disagreements that come up. Additionally, don’t take each other for granted and continue to show your appreciation for one another.
2. The Resolution Phase
After working through the power struggle stage, many relationships enter a resolution period. This is when you start to feel more comfortable with each other, and you can work through any disagreements more effectively.
Furthermore, acceptance and stability are usually present during this stage. You may find that you can talk about your future more efficiently and make plans together while following through with unbreakable commitment and intense emotion of love full of purpose and happiness.
As a result, you will feel more:
- Comfortable with each other.
- Able to work through disagreements more effectively.
- Acceptance of each other.
- Stability
1. The Comeback
This period is after the resolution stage and is when you find yourselves on solid footing again. The intensity of emotion from the early stages of your relationship may have faded, but you can still maintain a strong connection with each other.
When couples arrive at this stage, some of them might call this period the golden years. This is usually when all of your proposed plans from earlier are accomplished. Therefore, you can relax and enjoy each other’s company without all the excess and unnecessary drama from the early stages of your relationship.
Suppose you’ve made it to this stage, congratulations! You’ve overcome the biggest hurdle in most relationships, usually sustaining the passion from the early stages. This is a massive accomplishment that not many couples can achieve. Therefore, cherish every moment you have with your partner and continue working together to maintain a strong connection with each other.
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The Bottom Line
In conclusion, most relationships will go through these different stages. It’s crucial to communicate effectively with your partner and not take each other for granted.
If you can work through the power struggle stage, you’ll be on solid footing for a long and happy relationship. Make the most out of every moment you have with your partner and continue working together to maintain a strong connection. Thanks for reading!
“We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” — Barbara de Angelis
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This post was researched and inspired by these sources:
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/stages-of-a-relationship
- https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/sex-and-love/stages-of-a-relationship
This content is for informational purposes only. It was not created to be a substitute for professional guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Not all information might be accurate. Consider consulting with a professional or a specialist.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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