Every relationship is a process that is constantly changing. There are different stages of a relationship. Every couple who is seriously considering spending a long time with their partner should know these stages of a relationship.


Below you can read a short summary and explanation of the 5 stages of a relationship.

1. The Infatuation Stage
The infatuation stage is always the first stage of any love. You're floating on cloud nine and have butterflies in your stomach. People also often say you're wearing rose-colored glasses. In this stage your partner seems perfect. We're practically blind with love and see no downsides in our partner. Again and again we buy new gifts and little surprises for our partner and can hardly wait for the next date. The couple really grows together here.
Three to 18 months later, this stage is already over. Often the relationship even ends right there. Once the butterflies disappear, many people are confused and unsure. But this is exactly the moment when you shouldn't let yourself be put off. A beautiful, deep love relationship could be waiting at the end of the road.

Stages of a relationship

2. The Feeling of Infatuation Fades
In this second stage the feeling of infatuation fades, and we discover behavior patterns and traits in our partner that we hadn't noticed before. More and more differences become clear. We see what connects us, but also what divides us. It's easy for us to criticize our partner. Unfortunately most couples break up here, without knowing whether they are really a good match. Because that often only becomes clear after three to four years. If both partners realize here that the butterflies are not coming back, the relationship can continue. True love only begins once the infatuation stage is over.

3. Differences Are Fought Over
This stage of the relationship is not much better than the last. Both sides think about and consider whether splitting up wouldn't be best. Everyone wants to have the last word in this stage. Now we feel unsure and think we've picked the wrong partner. Things only get nice again at the end of this stage.

4.

Stages of a Relationship: Me, You and Us


What the other person is like and what makes them tick becomes clear in this stage. Everyone tries to find enough space for themselves, but you also see yourselves as a couple. There is a balance between "me", "you" and "us".

Stages of a relationship

5. You Are My Home
Familiar and deep, this is the last stage of love. Without masks, projections and deceptions, anyone who has made it here can speak of true love. All the highs and lows have already been lived through once. The partnership is now shaped by new, individual rules. This is the most beautiful stage of love.