What You Can Expect In The Early Stages Of A Relationship
Marc Sandford
May 18, 2009
If you've met that special someone that you feel a strong attraction for, you probably spend a lot of your time thinking about this person. You aren't likely to be thinking about the different stages of a relationship that most couples go through. But knowing what these stages are will give you insight on what to expect as your relationship progresses.
The start of a relationship is a very exciting time. You feel like you're being swept along in the romance of it all and life couldn't get any better. The desire for this person is very strong and your brain is flooded with bonding chemicals.
Your differences seem to be insignificant at the beginning. In fact, you probably find these differences endearing. Your focus is on knowing the other more intimately and spending more time together. This is referred to as the romantic or honeymoon stage. As with anything else that is new and fresh, the beginning of a relationship is exciting and fun.
The 2nd stage will either make or break the relationship. It's known as the reality stage when the excitement begins to wane and you start to realize who this other person really is.
What it is that you don't have in common, rises to the surface and has a greater significance. Both parties become more aware that the other is failing to meet many of their needs.
This 'reality' can be hard to accept because a number of your expectations have not been fulfilled. In addition to this, the fun and newness of the first stage have also dropped off. This amplifies the 'let down'.
It is important to step back step back during this stage and remember that all human beings have faults. There is no such thing as a perfect mate. You know that you aren't perfect, so why fault your partner's imperfections?
Awareness and open communication is essential. Any attempts at molding your partner into your perfect mate will fail. This commonly results in friction that can lead to a breakup.
If you successfully get past this stage, then a stable and long term relationship will be yours.
Recently separated? Get free advice on how to get your ex back and see what's so magical about this new product – read The Magic of Making Up review.
The start of a relationship is a very exciting time. You feel like you're being swept along in the romance of it all and life couldn't get any better. The desire for this person is very strong and your brain is flooded with bonding chemicals.
Your differences seem to be insignificant at the beginning. In fact, you probably find these differences endearing. Your focus is on knowing the other more intimately and spending more time together. This is referred to as the romantic or honeymoon stage. As with anything else that is new and fresh, the beginning of a relationship is exciting and fun.
The 2nd stage will either make or break the relationship. It's known as the reality stage when the excitement begins to wane and you start to realize who this other person really is.
What it is that you don't have in common, rises to the surface and has a greater significance. Both parties become more aware that the other is failing to meet many of their needs.
This 'reality' can be hard to accept because a number of your expectations have not been fulfilled. In addition to this, the fun and newness of the first stage have also dropped off. This amplifies the 'let down'.
It is important to step back step back during this stage and remember that all human beings have faults. There is no such thing as a perfect mate. You know that you aren't perfect, so why fault your partner's imperfections?
Awareness and open communication is essential. Any attempts at molding your partner into your perfect mate will fail. This commonly results in friction that can lead to a breakup.
If you successfully get past this stage, then a stable and long term relationship will be yours.
Recently separated? Get free advice on how to get your ex back and see what's so magical about this new product – read The Magic of Making Up review.
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