Last update: 02 March, 2016
Couple relationships grow, evolve and change according to some very specific and distinct stages. This explains why we do not feel the same feelings when we have just met a person than when we have spent several years together. Knowing these stages can give us confidence and tranquility in seeing the differences, in resolving conflicts and in analyzing the feelings encountered.
People change, they learn, they grow and mature and the same thing happens with couple relationships. Knowing this topic will help us to fully enjoy the relationship with the partner we have chosen to share our life with. Here are the different stages of couple relationships:
1 - Falling in love
Falling in love is a stage of intense emotions, of butterflies in the stomach, of strong desire to stay close to your loved one. Passion and desire, with or without sexual activity, are transformed into the main ingredients of this stage. Intense fantasies and creativity emerge, with which to surprise the other.
In falling in love, all attention is focused on the most common aspects shared between lovers. The complicity and understanding are present in their encounters, while the differences that distinguish them in two different people are hardly perceived.
Thanks to the magic of the moment and the long-awaited meetings, there is a tendency to avoid discussions and conflicts. The beginning of the couple's relationships, therefore, is a special and exciting stage, of discovering the other, and we would like it to never end.
2 - Knowledge
During this stage, falling in love leaves room for a deeper and more intimate knowledge of the other and, of course, also of its differences and peculiarities.
Each person, unique and singular, begins to show himself for what he really is, in his totality and autonomy; he begins to share his experiences and personal experiences. Idealization begins to fail, the encounter becomes more real.
"Remember that the greatest love and the greatest achievements involve greater risks."
(Anonymous)
3 - Coexistence
The couple becomes truly such after a period of mutual acquaintance, in which the attention was mainly focused on the projection of a life in common and projects. It is decided to share life starting from cohabitation in a house chosen together.
Sexual activity decreases due to everyday life, responsibilities and burdens. Love is expressed more lovingly, respectfully, and in the form of support and understanding in life together. There may be differences in the way conflicts are resolved and agreements will need to be reached through negotiations.
4 - Self-affirmation
After a period of coexistence and the desire to share everything, individual needs arise and the will to defend them. It is time to organize activities to do each on his own, respecting the bond and commitment made by the couple. During this stage, conflicts can arise due to unresolved personal crises.
It's like finding yourself with yourself after spending a lot of time focusing on the other and on the couple relationship. When personal needs reappear, each of the two partners decides to devote a little more time to themselves, at least on certain occasions.
5 - Growth
At this point, the couple decides to solidify the relationship, which becomes more mature and stable. It's time to make important decisions like starting a family.
It is a stage in which reverie, emotion and enthusiasm reappear to share what they both have decided to create. The two partners want to continue building their future and life projects together.
"Love are two souls that can be seen through their bodies"
(Anonymous)
6 - The adaptation
Life goes on and changes occur; if the couple adapts to them, then it consolidates and matures. This moment is crucial for the couple: strengthening or breaking up. This is due to the fact that the pyramid of personal and couple values ​​is called into question; moreover, new interests generated by the changes arise, such as the independence of children, retirement, illnesses, etc.
This stage can represent a discovery, as the demands, responsibilities and burdens of life are reduced; you can refocus on the couple, to share new projects, just like at the beginning of the relationship.
