What are the stages of a romantic relationship?

The first stage of a romantic relationship is the honeymoon.

This is the initial phase that every couple goes through, regardless of how long this phase lasts. You have just gotten to know your sweetheart. After some time spent circling around each other, you decide to begin your life as a couple. A couple in which each of you shows the best of yourselves to your partner. Where your flaws absolutely must not be revealed to your partner. Neither of you grows weary of the other, and you do everything to keep it that way. At least, at the beginning of your relationship.

In general, these emotions we feel during this phase are so strong that they stifle all rational thought. Science has indeed proven that, during the honeymoon, our mind is flooded with an influx of happiness substances. With high levels of oxytocin and the like, it makes sense to behave this way. Your brain becomes clouded and, as a result, addicted to your partner. It ignores incompatibilities, glaring warning signs and any other outcome that nonetheless shapes your relationship.

What to do during this stage?

One thing is certain: make sure to enjoy your honeymoon period. After all, you are at the very beginning of your relationship and you are still learning to test your couple. At the same time, try to step back from events, in order to see things more clearly.

You are not obliged to ignore the warning signs for your romantic relationship to last. If your instinct tells you to, write down what bothers you and talk about it with your friends. The advice of an outside person will help you determine whether you are imagining things or not. However, do not turn to just anyone.

Furthermore, you can take your time in your romantic relationship. There is no rush, so you do not have to do everything together all at once. If your partner suggests living together and you are not ready yet, you have the right to refuse. Do not let love lead you by the nose. If you are on the same wavelength in your romantic relationship, he or she will understand.

Every couple goes through an inevitable phase of disappointment. It is the period when the masks fall, revealing the reality in front of you. Your brain, once drunk with love, finally wakes up from its trance. All things considered, perhaps your perfect partner is not quite so perfect. Naturally, arguments follow this disappointment, coming one after another at a sustained pace. The hormones of happiness give way to those of stress. Your romantic relationship drifts off course, but disappointment prevents you from saving it.

According to some experts, it is essential to be disappointed in a relationship. This is, in their view, necessary in order to see your romantic relationship as it truly is: imperfect, like any other relationship.

Now that the imperfections of your couple are exposed, you see reality face to face. Once the period of disappointment has passed, your couple is at the stage where nothing is hidden anymore. You hold all the cards in your hand and the time comes to make a decision. Questions are surely crossing your mind, in particular:

• Are you going to stay and fight for your romantic relationship?
• Or is this the stage of your romantic grieving?

We are not going to answer in your place. Just know that your choice is yours and your partner’s as well.

After so many trials, you reach this stage. Your life as a couple is solidified and your romantic relationship is healthier than ever. Other obstacles await you, to be sure, but you are able to face them. Together.