Sadly, a modern relationship does not always lead to a happy ending. Even the happiest ones go up and down like a roller-coaster.
It can be dizzying and frustrating.
People say that when you are prepared for the worst, the hit you take will be a little bit cushioned.
Nobody says that it would be easy, but nobody told you how it could go from superb to terrible in short bursts.
The problem with looking for the various stages is that sources may vary.
Some may present a well-detailed ten-stage path, while others would shorten it to four or five.
We will take the average of that, combining some and splitting others.
6 Stages of Relationships
1. Meet-Cute: When Chemistry Starts to Sizzle
Everyone has a meet-cute. However, not all of these chance, or arranged, encounters are incredibly cute.
In fact, it is possible that your meet-cute was so awkward, it still embarrasses you to this day.
Years from now, though, it would make for a great little vignette to tell your grandchildren. You hope you go as far as that.
It could start with a glance that lingers and makes you think the whole night long after that.
The dashing stranger becomes an object of desire and not a stalker figure you would like to avoid.
Yes, there is something there. You hope that he – or she – also thinks about you that way.
For those who have known each other all their lives, there is that one moment when everything changes.
Suddenly, the smiles became something else.
There is a temperature rise every time that certain someone is there, and you find yourself dressing better around the person.
So, what do you do when you feel your heart beating faster than before? Would you pursue that connection?
Signs you are in this stage:
- You have just met or have just noticed something different about the other person.
- There are butterflies in your stomach.
2. Hookup: When Things Come to a Boil
You find ways to get close to the person when things get so edgy, you cannot sleep nor eat. When there is a will, there is a way.
You get that number and find the right words to confess your feelings.
It does not matter, anymore, what gender you play in the relationship; you must say something – if not with your lips then with your eyes and body language.
Some may find the term “hookup” a little vulgar, but this is just a representation of the romance that can begin between two people.
Some may get physical right away, and some may wait.
It does not mean that the ones who wait are cold and frigid.
Every person is different. So, you cannot compare one relationship to the next.
The well-suited couple will connect because each sees something in the other that they really like.
Would you do everything to be in a passionate romance?
Or, would you go for a controlled but still warming experience?
Signs you are in this stage:
- You cannot get enough of the other person. Even those who pledge not to have sex yet may cuddle a lot.
3. Seeing Cracks: Running Cold
When people spend a lot of time together, the cracks started to branch out.
At first, you may say that your partner is not perfect, but that is okay.
Then, more cracks are threatening the whole relationship to break.
Suddenly, the person you had been continuously thrilled to see, hug, and talk to becomes the last person you want to be with.
This is the stage where misunderstanding will arise, tempers may flare, and suspicions will flit about like bats.
Unfortunately, this may be the last stage in some relationships, especially if the other person’s fault is not just an imperfection.
Vices, such as drinking and drugs, may come into the open. Terrible secrets may be revealed.
Some may even turn to infidelity, which defeats the purpose of a relationship.
If you are unlucky – or perhaps you are lucky to get out as early as you can! – this is the last stage of romance.
Do you think it is time to go back to level one after a failed stage three?
Well, while that would show resilience and a willingness to love again, take your time.
You don’t want to make the same mistake. But yes, do try to go back to level one when you are ready.
Signs you are in this stage:
- You feel insecure and suspicious.
- You are disappointed to know that your wonder person is not 100% wonderful.
4. Working it Out: Warming Yourself Up
Sometimes, however, the coldest hearts can be tamed.
If the two people realize that they should remain together and love each other enough, they will fight for their relationship.
When they do, genuine apologies are met with forgiveness and reconciliation.
Egos are set aside for a humbling connection that makes each half of the whole feel vulnerable.
Should you let yourself be that vulnerable with a person that you believe you are beginning to love – or already love?
Yes, you should – or else this is just a transaction, a loveless and possibly opportunistic one.
However, if you are struggling to make it work, think again. Perhaps this relationship is not meant to succeed.
Relationships require nurture and sacrifice.
Nevertheless, if it is making you sacrifice everything you believe in, then something is wrong.
Something is also off if the other person is letting you make all the sacrifices.
So, do you end your relationship here on stage four if that happens?
Yes. Think of it as a lucky escape. It will hurt (definitely!), but it will prevent you from hurting forever. You will love again.
Signs you are in this stage:
- You have made a truce.
- You are talking things out more.
5. Sealing the Deal: Stabilizing the Temperature
They say that when people start to really love each other, they begin to become a boring, old couple.
Who are they to say that you are not passionate behind closed doors?
But that is not the point.
In stage five, you stabilize. You no longer try to impress your partner with all kinds of shenanigans.
Instead, you show your true self, and both of you are fine with it.
Your partner s also more comfortable about revealing his or her own real identity.
You are no longer dealing with a prince or princess.
Instead, you are dealing with a flawed but caring person who is trying to take this further.
This may be the stage when a couple becomes official, gets engaged, or even gets married.
It is true what they say. You should not rush into marriage, or you will be skipping critical stages.
You would not want to go through the crucial steps while already married – although it happens all the time.
Some people are hard to get to know until you are already living with them.
When their true colors show, separations and even divorces can happen.
However, for those who have successfully stabilized on stage five, you will have a higher chance of moving forward and spending your lives together.
It is not a 100% guarantee, but you have higher odds now.
Would you rather go for stable but boring? I sure would.
Romance can be spiced up from time to time. A broken and unhealthy partnership, on the other hand, may not be healed again.
Signs you are in this stage:
- You have made it official.
- You know each other’s strange habits and love the other more for them – or at least tolerate them.
6. Bloom of Real Love: Blissful and Healthy
Once you get into a rhythm, one of love and acceptance, you can get past the physicality of passion without totally discarding it.
Your relationship is not based on sex, not anymore, if it ever was. It is now a more complex joining of both bodies and souls.
You have reached the point that every couple strives for – when two become one.
Attuned with each other, you are more willing to talk things out. You are also realistic.
You know that your relationship will not be all smiles and laughter.
However, the two of you will try to work from the same side and not from opposing ends.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all reach our Happy Ever After?
Signs you are in this stage:
- You trust the other person fully.
- You can imagine ever after with your special someone.
To conclude
A relationship has a few stages. It shows the ups and downs of both healthy and unhealthy romances.
Some relationships will get their growths nipped at the bud because two people are unwilling to give up the worst in themselves
Both sides are not willing to empathize with their partners.
Sometimes, though, a relationship should be nipped at the bud.
When it becomes unhealthy for one or both, the couple may be better off as separate individuals.
I have known some people who seem great on their own but are terrible together.
The problem is that during the first few stages, people see the best in a potential partner.
When they come closer, the imperfections are highlighted.
Disappointments ensue, and often, it is challenging to get over them.
However, we should not ignore the fact that some people are not just suitable for intimacy.
