When it comes to relationships, they aren’t always lovey dovey like in movies. While some last for long, some don’t. One thing that’s always the same in every relationship is the stages it goes through. These stages help build a stronger bond and deepen your relationship. Each stage marks a new milestone.

From the lovey-dovey phase to the one where you are fully comfortable with each other, every stage has its own perks. But does every couple go through these stages? Or only a few are capable of going through these phases successfully and coming out stronger? Well, we have answers to all your doubts. Keep reading to know these stages better!

1. The Honeymoon Phase

Each relationship starts with this phase, where you get butterflies on thinking about that person, you feel all giggly when you are with them, the blush on your cheeks when they look into your eyes, and that feeling of getting your stomach curled up when they touch your hand. All this is a part of the honeymoon phase.

And why is it called so? Well, just like a honeymoon where your marriage is new, the start of your relationship is new and so you are all over the heels for your partner. This stage is all about passion, intimacy, and lovemaking. This passion, for some, especially long-distance, remains for quite a long time, while for others it might only remain for a month or two.

2. The Getting To Know Stage

This stage is probably the most important time in a relationship as it involves getting to know your partner better. For most couples this stage involves getting into a commitment, being exclusive or even more serious about one another. All the comfort in a relationship begins at this stage. You can be more free, vulnerable, and yourself with your partner. This phase gives you a chance to open up to your better half properly. While your intimate moments still remain fresh, you get more into knowing each other. It helps in building attachment as well as giving you a reality check if that’s the right person for you. Therefore, for some the getting to know stage also comes as an eye-opener, giving them a clear answer if they want to be with the person or not.

3. The Bonding Phase

In this stage, a couple comes under the phase where they face conflicts, disagreements, and clashing viewpoints. While these arguments are not that serious and only involve healthy arguments, this bonding phase allows them to consider each other’s opinions and know their partner’s viewpoint in a better and clearer way.

This might even be an eye opener stage for some as they might not be used to such strong arguments. While some navigate a way to keep these fights short and healthy, others might not want to be that vulnerable in front of someone. Either way, the real bonding comes only after you have had a real fight with someone.

4. The Commitment Stage

Now that you have seen all the lows and highs together, there comes the commitment stage. Most couples tend to be committed for a lifetime after this stage. Some even get a clearer view of their future with their partner during this phase. Therefore, most of the marriage proposals are witnessed in the commitment phase too.

While this stage has its own perks like fully trusting your partner and being dependent on them, you should not forget that you are an individual too. So, make sure to keep interests and likings of your own too and give yourself the self-love time which is needed.

5. The Bliss Stage

The bliss stage is where all comes full circle. You are better together with all the vulnerabilities that you have shared, you get into healthy arguments now and then, you love each other, and most importantly you have accepted each other the way you are, without any changes required.

This phase gives you security, content, and satisfaction. But remember, keeping the spark alive is still your job. While this stage gives you all, it can also take all from you if you don’t take care to keep your relationship as new as it was. It takes effort but in the end, it’s all worth it!

The Bottom Line

Even though each relationship is unique and has its own highs and lows, these stages remain the same. Each phase of a relationship will help you grow as a partner and become a better person for your other half. And how long these stages last completely depends on what kind of a person you are. While some commit fast, others take time to open up. So, make sure to enjoy each phase of the relationship to the fullest and not worry about the outcome.