Learn About the Inevitable 10 Stages in a Relationship

Regardless of how we look at it, everything in life changes and goes through phases. Our relationships are no different. There are 10 different stages of a relationship, and if you understand where you have been, where you are now, and where you are going with your partner, you will be able to make a relationship work better.

Now let's ponder something else about the stages of a relationship that most seasoned couples will tell you. Popular media gives us this narrative about the journey of love that satisfies us all. It tells us that all romantic relationships progress in a linear manner from the mind-blowing cuteness of the first lovey-dovey days through trials and tribulations to a final state of everlasting happiness. Finally, you reach a point when you can proudly say that you successfully overcame all the difficulties. But it doesn't happen like that. Because the obstacles won't stop, appear one fine morning. You have to keep on fighting and overcoming new hurdles in the relationship.

Having said that, let's look at the 10 stages of every romantic relationship.

Courtship

This is 'Falling in Love,' which is very passionate, very romantic, idealised. At this stage, the partners are usually blind to any problems, and no other reality exists.

Rose Coloured Glasses

You're head over heels in love with your partner, and they can do nothing wrong. For each other, you're perfect. As you are on your best behaviour and do sweet things for each other, both partners are deliriously happy and feel it's gonna be like this forever.

Honeymoon

At this time, the relationship is happy and stable. The emphasis is on the "sameness" of the couple. They do everything together. The challenges can be sufficiently separated from their families, and the expression of their positive emotions, love, and sexuality can be developed.

Disenchantment

The pink glasses have come off, and you understand that your partner is human and makes mistakes. As you first thought, he or she is not as perfect. Little habits that you haven't noticed before have become annoying. There is still romance, but it is slightly muted. It is during this phase that common relationship issues can occur first.

Doubt and Denial

Some differences are starting to emerge. The couple does less together and more as individuals. Each is capable of seeing aspects of their partner they may not have seen before. For many people, it is a challenge to endure the decline in the intensity of the partnership.

Disillusionment

At this stage, couples feel like they've come to the end of the road. The issues that used to be ignored are now all too obvious. For some couples, power struggles are out in the open, and battles ensue at the slightest trigger. For others, putting less energy into the 'we' dynamic means, they move apart quietly and become more of 'I.'

Conflict

During this time, it is normal to begin to blame your partner for any problems. If only they were to improve, it would be all right. There are emotional breakdowns, ugly fights, and emotional frigidity for some. Many partners lose faith in each other, lose their sense of optimism for the future, begin to fall out of love,' and many decide to divorce.

Decision

A new person may seem all too attractive at this stage, and a new beginning looks enticing. This is the breaking point when you make a decision. That may be to leave, stay and be miserable, indifferent, and detached, or actually start working to fix the relationship.

Mutual Interdependence and Strength

You advance into the power process if you can make it to this stage. You become more self-confident, and the relationship becomes more peaceful and meaningful. Stronger feelings of affection and faith are felt; each of you starts investing in your own interests and hobbies.

Wholehearted Love and Commitment

Both partners stay in the partnership by choice; both are capable of taking individual responsibilities. The pair should now have increased regard for both themselves and their partner and increased optimism for the future. Without feeling suffocated, they should be able to withstand closeness.