Most relationships start with a honeymoon stage
The honeymoon stage is, frankly, the fun part.
This is where youre getting to know your new boo.
There are a lot of dates, romance, long talks, and sexcapades.
Whats more, you really believe it.
The issue with the honeymoon stage is you have your rose-colored glasses on.
Everything the other person does is endearing.
You are getting to know them, yes, but you dontreallyknow them that well yet.
In future stages, you could cling to the honeymoon phase for a long time.
Plenty of relationships sour, and thats normal, because the honeymoon stage cant last forever.
Refer back to the list over time to be sure you didnt miss any red flags early on.
ensure to stay aware of your emotions as you move into other phases.
They cant, really, but that doesnt mean hope is lost.
A relationship cant be built on passion, but sustainability, which isnt nearly as exciting.
Use the reintroduction of other duties and tasks to gauge how you really feel about the relationship.
If what you liked the most was the constant date nights and attention, youll feel that now.
This stage can intersect with a power struggle phase, too, but doesnt always have to.
Dont be discouraged if you do, though.
It can take some maneuvering to get used to the constraints on each others time and attention.
Moreover, you might find you have different ideas about what your roles should be within the relationship.
The best thing you’re able to do in this phase is not hide who you are.
Be upfront about your beliefs and goals.
Dont pretend to be something youre not to keep things running smoothly.
That wont work in the long run.
If you are into it, cool, but if not, dont pretend to be.
Youll snap eventually, and the relationship wont work.
Once youve been together a few months, youll develop a rhythm.
Maybe you always cook dinner together and watch a certain show on Tuesday nights.
Maybe you run your errands together on Saturdays.
Maybe you combine your grocery lists or designate certain days of the month for your separate pursuits.
This is the part where the couple aspect really shines.
Youre a unit now!
That doesnt mean there wont be conflict or that you wont keep discovering new things about each other.
Are you settling for a setup you arent really enjoying?
Be honest with yourself and dont do that.
The honeymoon is over.
This is where you are now.
Embrace it or find a tactful way to end things.
For some people, this includes marriage, but it doesnt have to.
This is the phase where you dont just have a routine, but start planning yourfutureroutine.
In this stage, signing on a dotted line or planning major milestones together shouldnt freak you out.
If you haveanyreservations, listen to your gut.
Just because you got this far doesnt mean you have to keep going if you dont think its right.
If the relationship is healthy, moving into this new phase should feel natural and exciting.
Once you settle into being committed to one another, you should feel happy, content, and fulfilled.
Theres still room for date nights and romance, so be sure to both stay on top of those.
Even afterhaving a babyor another major life event, you canand shouldmake time for your relationship.
Remember, your relationship isnt a race or a game.
