Relationship Stages

Starting a relationship is easy but sustaining it is challenging. There are ups and downs in every relationship, but some relationships fall under pressure or head in different directions. Largely a relationship passes through six stages before it becomes mature.

The first stage is called euphoric or honeymoon because it is a fresh start where you have positive thoughts, and dream of a bright future ahead. It is the stage where you feel happy in the company of your partner. But little do you know that soon you will have to face challenges and if you are unable to sustain those challenges, your relationship would end abruptly.

1. Euphoric Stage

According to science, it is a make-believe stage where you believe only in the facts presented before you. It is an overdose of love that prevents your brain from taking note of red flags and incompatibilities that could create challenging situations in the long run. The cocktail of happy hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins would take you in a state of infatuation.

What To Do?

First, you should enjoy the stage you are in. Go on dates and exchange gifts. But don’t ignore the red flags like possessive behavior and stubborn nature. Also, take some time to think about whether the person could become a reliable partner in life.

2. The Early Attachment

This stage comes when the ventral pallidum of the human brain becomes active because of high love doses. The ventral pallidum is the part that handles feelings and attachments. This stage shows that you have graduated from the honeymoon stage and that you are ready to move on with your relationship. But here you become some realistic about your partner.

What To Do?

You realize that you and your partner are two different individuals with different needs. Also, it can be said that you start realizing that challenges would come and that you should be ready to face challenges to grow your relationship. The good thing is that you have already covered some distance together without facing any challenge.

3. Crisis

The honeymoon period is over, and your relationship enters a deeper stage where you try to accommodate your partner in your life. It is the doubt and denial stage. For example, you are asked to spend more time, but you deny them due to your busy work schedule. Now you can see the gray side of your partner.

What To Do?

Here you need to behave like a conflict manager. You need to know how to de-escalate the tension and bring normalcy to the relationship. The first thing is to respect the emotions of your partner and look at their positive side. Challenges would come and if you aren’t ready to face challenges, your relationship is bound to suffer.

4. Disillusionment

It is a stage where you start feeling suffocation in the relationship and want to come out of it. Here you can put a full stop to the relationship and move on. But it isn’t the right … Find more