Relationships grow from one stage to the next. Depending on the level of maturity and the emotional connection people have, the time varies to move from one stage to the next. Not all relationships go through all the five stages as some are broken even before they start. Many relationships go through the five stages when the two partners are the right ones for each other.
Here are the five stages a relationship should go through:
Attraction and romanceThis is the get-to-know each other stage. Most people refer to this stage as the fantasy stage because they still don’t know about their partners but hope they do with time. In this stage, people try to find similarities between each other. Love at this stage is strong and you can’t feel like staying away from each other. It should be noted that people who change lovers will always remain at this stage of a relationship.
Reality sets inThis is the stage you will start seeing flaws in your partner. You will start seeing the bad behaviors your partner used to hide given that you are now in love. You will still be in love but not as strong as in the first stage. Hard work must be out in the relationship at this stage to maintain the relationship.
DisappointmentSmall differences between couples in the second stage could be dangerous to the relationship if not sorted earlier. This is the most dangerous stage as couples who lack strong communication, trust and ability to work out their differences in this stage end up getting divorced or separated for small fights.
StabilityCouples who have good communications, trust and argue to fight for each other advance to this stage. This is a resting and enjoyment stage after the hard stage three. You have fights and conflicts but still know how to handle each other and solve all that could happen between you two. The love you have for each other is so strong and nothing small could come between you.
CommitmentThis is the stage that differentiates true love from love. People who reach this stage are truly in love. They know each other’s flaws and have accepted their partners for who they are. Couples in this stage have common goals and work as a team for the same goals.