Know the eight stages of a romantic relationship!

 

People say that relationships just happen with no planning. But I would say that they are semi-planned in the western world and well-planned in most of the conservative Asian world. But in the modern age, more and more Asians are also going in for semi-planned or unplanned relationships. Whatever way a couple enters into a romantic relationship, it usually goes through eight stages before it culminates in marriage. Some pairs may halt at a particular stage and exit out. On the other hand, others may go on and ultimately walk down the aisle together.

Most couples of the old age do not realize when these stages are passing and milestones are reached. But the recent couples and celebrity couples tend to keep a tab on them and celebrate the milestones in their relationship as it gets deeper and deeper.

1.       Infatuation and romance stage-In this first stage of a relationship, love has just started and is about to blossom. The two people in a relationship feel that they are attracted to each other and cannot live without each other. You like the other partner’s look, face, physique, body, thinking, or behavior. At this stage, one focuses only on the positive aspects of the opposite person and tends to overlook the flaws. The two when alone keep thinking about the other partner and have a deep longing to meet them. It is also the phase of addiction. Love makes a person be on high. When together, you want to get physical. You are in a world of fantasy and dream about life together.

2.       Stage of accommodation- You spent hours trying to understand each other and want to talk a lot and also tell about oneself. You start discussing past relationships and likes and dislikes. You want to know the real person behind the partner. You make an opinion about your partner and also start putting in your expectations. You are happy when the expectations are met and disappointed when there is a shortfall. Differences start appearing and who start noticing them. The high phase has gone and now you are in the real world back again with a person who has similarities but also differences with you. But here, remember that one should not try to change the partner but instead try to be a better partner himself or herself. Decide on whether you want to continue or not.

Eight stages of a romantic relationship [Source: Mom Junction]

3.       Stage of Challenge-Some challenge creeps in and tests your relationship. There could be anger, frustration, and disappointment. Some of the habits and needs of your partner start irritating you. There might be some struggle for power and relationship might continue or end there. At this stage, one also gets attracted outside the relationship and cheating is common at this stage.

4.       Phase of complete trust-If the couple is able to pass through the phase of the challenge and survive it together, next to come is the stage of complete trust. The two are happy with each other and trust each other completely. One partner can now predict the action and behavior of the other partner. The two are in a comfort zone.

5.       Phase of sexual exploration-At this stage, you want to explore sexually and enter into it. When the two have equal passion, love blossoms but if there is the unequal passion for sex, affairs might crop up.

6.       Stage of stability-This is an evolution time and a stage of maturity. The two have faced several challenges together and come out of it successfully with each other’s support. The two are at peace now. The love between the two deepens. The connection is intense at this stage. You set your boundaries and give space to the other. You learn to respect each other.

7.       Commitment stage-During this time, we take the relationship with all its advantages and shortcomings. You now have love and trust for each other irrespective of all the good and bad things in the other. You are committed to a life together. At this stage, doing things or changing to please your partner can spice up your love life. For example, giving up smoking that your partner does not like or getting him or her a gift that he or she had expressed a desire about are also good ways to keep the love burning between the two.

8.       Stage of co-creation- Now you want to work together on projects and the like for society. But do not forget about your own relationship and keep working on it. Have time for each other and continue to give each other space.

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