When you are with someone, understanding the stages of a relationship is probably not the first thing that's on your mind. However, if you want to have a good idea of where your relationship is at and what you can expect in the future, then understanding the stages of a relationship is critical.
1. Romance stage
Out of the different stages of a relationship, for most of us the first one is the most exciting. In the romance stage, everything is new and you are fascinated by everything about your partner. Both of you are putting on your best front and doing all you can to impress and satisfy the other. You overlook each other's faults, cause you are enamored with each other and it's all good.
2. Familiarity stage
The second in the stages of a relationship is the stage where the two of you start to become familiar with each other and get to know more deeply each others strengths and weaknesses.
In the familiarity stage, you have stopped focusing on meeting the needs of your partner and turned your attention to getting your own needs met. In doing so, you are noticing that your partner has some flaws that cause them to fail in meeting some of these needs.
If you can make it through this stage, your relationship has a good chance of survival. If a relationship ends in this stage, it is usually because one or both of you try to change the other to meet your needs, leading to major fights and often breakups. You can avoid this by open and honest communication, and a realization that we all have flaws and you need to accept your partner's flaws to have a successful relationship.
3. Acceptance
The third of the stages of a relationship is when you finally accept who your partner is and stop trying to change them. If you made it to this stage, it is usually because you have established a pattern of communication and understanding. In this stage, you will become content with who your partner is and what they bring to the relationship. You have accepted that while your partner is not able to meet all of your needs, you still love them and want to be with them.
4. Commitment
The fourth of the stages of a relationship is commitment. You've made it through the turbulent familiarity stage, and you have had time to accept your partner, even with their flaws, and have still made things work. Now it's time to take the leap of faith and commit to your partner for life.
Wherever you are in your relationship, by understanding the stages of a relationship, you are now aware of what's going on and why it's happening.
Understanding the 4 Stages of a Relationship