Having a long-term relationship is a tough job to do. One has to work really hard to maintain a relationship and work even harder to do so for a long time.
Relationship has its own ups and downs. It works more in a cyclic order. There are different stages a person has to go through to maintain a long-term relationship.
What are the different stages of a Long-Term Relationship?
Among the different stages of a long-term relationship, most common are to merge, to have doubts and denials, become disillusioned, making a decision, and having a wholehearted love. These stages are almost eternal and lasts for throughout the time of long-term relationship. One should not confuse these as steps of a long-term relationship. It is always better to move through these stages as a couple. You can do it more strongly by doing together and always do better than the last time.
Stage 1: Merge-
It is more or less a romance stage. You can call it a honeymoon stage also. This stage is fragile and can be for a very short period of time or you can make it for a considerably long period. Break ups are most common in this stage.
Merging together is as a result of the initial attraction the couple feels for each other. You start knowing each other better and more deeply. You step into the second stage when you start liking what you know about your partner and this feeling is mutual. You can find out what common you have between yourselves, overriding the physical attraction or having sex.
You can cross this stage by enjoying this stage and by being honest with yourself and your partner. Avoid taking hasty decisions and do not jump into conclusions those may be incorrect. If it is infatuation, it will fade out. But if it is something deeper than that, you are moving forward in love.
Stage2: Doubt and Denial-
This is a stage when you start noticing your differences as a couple. Everything thought to be good or perfect, starts to melt away, making you disappointed with your partner.
This can be as a result of being dishonest with each other. Differences are natural and it should not be allowed to ruin your relationship. You got to communicate effectively with your partner and resolve the issues. You may take help of an expert counsellor if you are not able to do it yourself.
Stage 3: Disillusionment-
It might seem like the end of the relationship, but it is not so. Fighting with each other becomes common every time and every day. You start finding faults into each other. It is the opposite of the Merge stage.
You can solve this issue by being honest with each other. Admit your problems sincerely. Be expressive and do not hide the facts from your partner. Be grateful for what your partner has or is doing for you and show your gratitude. Everything will be alright.
Stage 4: Decision-
This is a delicate stage. You start looking the other way as a result of a fight. You often decide wrongly at the heat of the moment.
You can solve the issue by talking frankly to your partner. Whatever may be the differences, your gratitude fand love or your partner stays. Once it is communicated effectively yo become united again.
Stage 5: Love with all your heart-
This is the final stage. Nothing in this world is perfect and so there is no perfect match either here. Your confiding and communicating with each other with full honesty can reignite your love and passion for your partner. After all, you loved your partner once. And you can love your partner always. You have to simply nourish your relationship and be aware that these stages can keep on coming back and both of you have to deal with it.
You can ask for support from The Honeymooners. They are experts in these matters.
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