5 Relationship Stages That Couples Go Through

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A relationship, like most other things in life, happens in stages.

Each one builds on the last and they are a vital part of getting to the ultimate goal of most relationships: a lifetime together.

Understanding what stage you're in is important because it can help you determine whether or not you are moving forward and perhaps whether you even want to.

Listed below are the five stages that couples go through.

1. The Honeymoon Stage

Once you get past online matchmaking and the first few awkward dates, you enter the first stage of a relationship. Often referred to as the puppy love stage, this is the least real part of any relationship.

That’s because your infatuation with this newfound person blinds you to their flaws. This is not your fault, however. It’s just nature’s way of getting two people together in order to ensure they lay proper foundations that will be crucial later on.

In this stage you will talk every day and perhaps see one another just as often. You will ignore some things that you dislike in favor of ensuring that your partner can remain on a pedestal for as long as possible.

This period generally lasts a few months...

2. The Post-Honeymoon Stage

...And then, suddenly, your partner begins to lose their luster. Of course, you still like them (and perhaps even “love” them), but you start taking notice of their flaws and the things they do to get on your nerves.

It’s also during this stage that you begin to realize how much work it takes to maintain a relationship.

This stage results in a lot of breakups because in it people begin to consider whether the person they’re with actually meets their needs and desires. Often times, despite a strong emotional connection, people realize that the relationship might be dying.

3. The Steady Stage

If you’ve made it to the steady stage, congratulations! The post-honeymoon phase is one of the most difficult to conquer and once you do it, it means that you’re ready for true romance.

No longer are you driven by your lust, but rather by a deep love for your partner. Instead of formal dates, you are okay with hanging out with each other at home, watching TV or just eating casual meals together.

During this stage you will probably meet the parents and know all of your partner’s friends, all of whom probably find your little ‘couple-y’ idiosyncrasies extremely annoying!

4. The Comfortable Stage

The comfortable stage is both pleasant and dangerous.

It’s the stage where you can just be yourself without hiding any of your quirks or habits. If you wear makeup, you’re probably no longer compelled to do so in front of your partner. Everything just clicks as it should and you feel like it can last forever.

But therein lies the danger. At this point in a relationship, people become content. They often take their partner for granted and might even stop considering their needs and future plans. This usually isn’t done intentionally, it’s simply a result of relationship satisfaction.

This stage concludes with the final stage...

5. The Commitment Stage

After all of that time and effort, you’re finally in a relationship that works so well that you begin considering the future.

For some couples that future might involve marriage, for others, it’s just moving in together. No matter what it is, it’s a sign of full commitment to your partner.

This is the final stage of your relationship as two people dating and the beginning of something perhaps even more complex, but ultimately, much more rewarding, meaningful, and - dare I say it - beautiful.

I would like to end this article by reminding the reader that no relationship follows a perfect timeline and that having expectations or desires to move something that is still immature or unready move forward can be unhealthy.

That said, keep an eye out for the signs and you will find that your relationship has likely followed these predictable, yet important and meaningful stages.

From Your EZ Dating Coach - Mike Goldstein

These stages are spot on for the typical relationship. However, one very important thing to note is that if you get to any stage and feel like you didn't adequately experience one of the prior stages it is okay to take a step or two backwards. Your path doesn't need to be a straight line and based on a specific time frame. Every relationship is different and every person is different so no relationship formula will work for everyone. Thus feel free to make it to stage 4 and then head back to stage 2 or start talking about things in stage 5 but if you realize you need more time to work on the relationship head back to stage 4.

Anyway, happy dating folks, be good to your partner!

About the Author

Pauline Plott is a London-based blogger who became a dating guru after learning the psychology behind modern romance and signing up for every dating website in pursuit of relationship bliss. She shares her reviews and opinions on DatingSpot.co.uk.

Why Did He Stop Texting You and What To Do

Everything is going great.

You met someone who you really feel like you can develop a connection with.

Maybe you even went on a few dates.

Both of you seem interested, texting back and forth for days.

And then, suddenly...

Nothing.

It’s something everyone dreads, but which is experienced all too often.

Ghosting is defined as the cessation of all communication suddenly and without explanation.

For most, it is devastating and downright rude.

So what should you do if it happens to you?

Here are my thoughts...

Why It Is Done

First, it is important to understand the psychology behind ghosting.

The action of ghosting is definitely not new, but the methods and the ease with which people can get away with it is.

Because we are so reliant on our technology for dating and relationship building it’s often difficult to gauge how someone really feels.

After all, text doesn’t generally express tone.

Often times, people use impersonal technological methods to figure out how they feel about an individual. Equally common is the person realizing they are no longer interested after a brief period.

In an effort to avoid their own emotional discomfort, they simply break away without the courtesy of letting you know.

The worst part is, most people have done it at some point, creating a culture where it is taboo and somehow acceptable all at once.

But Ghosting is not acceptable and those who regularly do it probably aren’t ready to be in a relationship.

What You Should Do

That is not to say that there is nothing you can do.

Quite the contrary.

There are many steps you can take not only to make sure the other party is ghosting you, but also to potentially elicit a response.

Here are six tips you should follow. No cheating!

1. Make sure you’re actually being ghosted.

Sometimes people just don’t have the time to send messages.

Perhaps they mentioned a hectic schedule ahead or even a planned vacation.

Don’t jump to conclusions about someone’s intentions before you confirm them.

2. Don’t freak out.

False accusations of ghosting can be instant relationship killers.

No matter how it may appear, there are often simple answers for seemingly strange behaviors.

One thing I highly recommend:

Try to avoid checking out their social media and doing other things that would be deemed “stalkery behavior.”

There is no reason to add fuel to the flames, especially if you’re still unsure.

3. Reach out in a calm and lighthearted way.

If you haven’t heard from someone in a while, the best way to initiate is playfully.

Being abrasive and harsh is never a good idea, especially if it turns out you’re not actually being ignored.

Start out by saying something like “Hey, long time no speak!” or something similar that won’t be taken out of context.

This indicates that you are aware that the other party is being distant, but you’re not worried about it or pressuring them.

4. Stop texting.

After reaching out once, you can try one more polite text.

If you don’t get a response, STOP.

Text bombing is a great way to show someone that you are needy and insecure. And nobody finds that attractive.

At this point, it’s a waiting game.

The other person will either respond and explain themselves… Or they won’t.

5. Don’t call.

After texting twice, you may be tempted to try something more dramatic.

Don’t.

Aside from the fact that if their phone is working, they definitely got your messages, calling is just another way to demonstrate your inability to cope with what is happening.

But more on that later.

6. Don’t speak to their friends.

If you have some friends in common, don’t pursue an answer from them.

Relationships are personal things and getting others involved is usually not a good idea. Especially in this situation.

The one situation where I would recommend asking is if they bring it up.

If someone asks you how a relationship is going, you can nonchalantly ask if they know something.

Getting Over It

If you find that you have, indeed, been ghosted, it is critical that you be proactive about getting over it.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you did not do anything wrong.

Sometimes we fall into the trap of believing that it was our actions that caused someone to behave a certain way.

This is not the case and people are always responsible for the choices they make and the actions they take.

If you were being true to yourself in your conversations, it probably just means that they weren’t for you.

Rejection happens.

Once you come to that realization you can start moving on.

Go on some dates, do fun things, hang out with friends… It really doesn’t matter how you fill your time, as long as you are doing positive things.

If you want to post pictures on social channels that the other person is bound to see, go for it!

There is no use letting someone else control your emotions.

At least not publicly. :)

About the Author

Pauline Plott is a London-based blogger who became a dating guru after learning the psychology behind modern romance and signing up for every dating website in pursuit of relationship bliss. She shares her reviews and opinions on www.DatingSpot.co.uk.

This Drives Men Wild (In A Great Way)

"I don't want to be a nag." - Every Woman. "I don't want you to be a nag either." - Me

So every woman is terrified of being a nag. Rightfully so, because a woman that nags will send any man headed for the hills. But, a woman who sets boundaries can do it in a sexy way which will have men begging for more.Ready to learn how?

Watch this video:

So let's first understand why setting boundaries is going to enhance your relationships and then I will explain how to implement.

1. Why?

Men want women to make dating easier. What this means is men want women to give them a roadmap to their heart. If you tell him what you want, what you need, the guy that cares about you will do it. Now, many of you will say, "I don't want to tell him, I just want him to know." My response is "good luck." I am a professional dating expert and I can promise you I have no idea what my girlfriend wants on a random Tuesday. But, I love when she tells me, "I had a tough day today, will you give me a hug?"

2. How?

This is the scariest part because your biggest fear is turning into the naggy woman. So let's talk about proper implementation and improper with some examples.

Improper - "You never call me. I feel so unimportant to you."

Correct - "You would make me the happiest woman in the world if you called me a few times a week. You are such a great guy, and I know you are busy at work but I would feel so special if you found a few minutes just to say "hi."

Let's go back to Why?

Why is setting boundaries so important. If you do not feel heard in the relationship eventually you are going to snap and either leave the guy, be unhappy in the relationship, or lash out by yelling at your guy who probably had no idea he was doing anything wrong.

On the flip side, men LOVE when women communicate what they need. Yes, the busy guy may initially not be so excited that he needs to stop work to give you a call a few times a week. But after some time he is going to crave it. He is going to look forward to the part of his day where he gets to take a break and catch up with his best friend and lover. However, you are never going to get this unless you ask for it and most importantly ask for it in the right way, coming from a place of happiness and how to become even happier, not a place of complaining and nagging.

So I will leave you with this. If men like when you set boundaries and obviously you would like to be true to yourself and speak your mind what are you waiting for? Stop sitting on the sidelines and build your perfect relationship! Remember, setting boundaries is sexy!

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