Stage 1 Falling in Love

The early days of a relationship are always the best.Even though you’re still getting to know each other, you both might feel as if you’ve found the “right” one. I call this the honeymoon phase, an early part of a couple’s relationship where everything seems carefree and happy. It usually lasts from six months to two years and can be marked with lots of laughs, intimacy, and fun dates. You’ll find yourself having too much fun and miss the red flags.

Stage 2 Getting Serious

Whether you realize the red flags or not, the two of you decides that you want to be together despite the flaws. Many call this the “getting serious” phase, I say this is when shit gets real. The infatuation may or may have not worn off, but you are very much in love with/falling in love with your partner. The more you become comfortable, you start to let your guards down and you begin to understand each other more and more. During this stage, you will also start to notice flaws in your partner. Again, that’s when shit gets real!

Stage 3 What Happened

This is usually the end for many relationships. Most people fall out of love, all illusions are stripped away, and you find yourselves having more disagreements. To evolve in this stage, consider practicing self-care and self-love. In addition to that, it’s important to continue to prioritize your time as a couple. These are important if you plan to make it work. Growing through this stage together will make you stronger and will prepare you to face anything that life throws at you.

Stage 4 Climbing Down the Pedestal

At this point, you’re creating lasting love. After coming to terms with the reality of your relationship in stage three, you and your partner are able to see each other as people, while recognizing that you want to be together, forever. You have reached the stage of real love, not love held up on romance and passion or stuck together because of a child, but love based on mutual understanding and acceptance of each other which is similar to stage two. People refer to this stage as the “comfort zone” in a relationship, and most couples spend the majority of time in this stage. I recommend often trying new things and don’t be stagnant

Stage 5 Working Together as a Team

While it’s still important to continue to put time and energy into your relationship, you should also focus on finding your calling as a couple. Maintain your identity as an individual is very important but, how can the two of you show up as a pair? Find ways to connect whether it’s a hobby, a volunteering opportunity, a cause you care about, or anything else, to keep your connection to your partner alive and well. If not, you’ll backslide back into stage three.