What comes after the honeymoon phase in a relationship?
Experts break down the five relationship stages and how long they typically last.
But nothing lasts forevernot even the early bliss of a new relationship.
In the place of steam and spice, however, come stability and steadfastness, she says.
The stages and shades the relationship takes after the honeymoon are all unique and offer positives, says Kelleher.
Not to mention, many-a-chance to connect, collaborate, and co-create, she says.
psychotherapist and founder of Deeper Well Therapy
What are the five stages of a relationship?
The thing of fairy tales.
The on-the-clouds feeling emblematic of this phase isnt simply a sign from the universe that youve found The One.
This hot-and-heavy phase may be heavily romanticized both on-screen and IRL, but it is not without its downsides.
To start, the rose-colored glasses can prevent you from seeingred flags, says Kelleher.
Stage 2: The Exploration Phase
The love bubble youve been living in?
Eventually, the euphoria of the honeymoon gives way to reality, says Kelleher.
Here, we discover our partner is a full human that is different from us, she says.
The things we once found so endearing may begin to annoy us and not be so cute.
psychotherapist and founder of Deeper Well Therapy
But its essential to remember that differences in relationships are A-OK, says Kelleher.
Can break-ups happen during this phase?
Unthoughtful and hurtful responses during this phase can reveal insurmountable incompatibilities that lead to break-ups, says Kelleher.
A period of relative stability and integration typically follows the exploration phase, says Kelleher.
On the small scale, this may mean grappling with different decompression time needs after work.
Essentially, it comes down to compromise and collaboration.
They have actively chosen the relationship and areheres that word againcommitted to investing in it, says Kelleher.
The initial excitement and cant-live-without-each-other essence of the honeymoon phase may have died some, says Kelleher.
But the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies the exploration and adjustment stage have, too.
Plus, usually by this phase couples (orthrouples!)
have started crafting a Together Future.
A potential challenge in this phase is boredom, says Kelleher.
There is uniqueness and comfort in this stage which can be really great if we let it be.
Indeed, many people are thinking of this phase when they think about #relationship goals.
Many couples take on co-creation together during this phase, says Kelleher.
And no, that doesntjustmean having babies!
How long does the honeymoon phase typically last?
Notably, a short honeymoon phase does not mean that your relationship is headed to the graveyard.
Nor, does a longer honeymoon phase guarantee that the relationship will thrive and survive for decades to come.
Making major life decisions during the honeymoon phase can be risky.
Youre literally under the influence of loves drugs, which can lead to decisions of passion rather than logic.
Making major life decisions during the honeymoon phase can be risky, says Dr. Laino.
The key phrase here:At least.Three months is a pretty arbitrary amount of time, says Kelleher.
Its usually much easier to slow down than to reverse out of large decisions, Kelleher says.
How do you know the honeymoon phase is over?
Alas, theres no need to fret.
In short, just have fun and enjoy the ride… literally.
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2.
When this happens, she says the most important thing to ask yourself is why it is annoying you.
Sure, this can be uncomfortable at first, especially if you havent squabbled previously.
Theres less pressure to be perfect
Newsflash: Falling in love is nerve-wracking.
Thats normalbut its not something you have to (or should!)
keep doing as your relationship progresses.
How do you continue a relationship after the honeymoon phase?
What did your partner do well?
Where would you like more acknowledgment?
What issues can you circumvent in the coming month?
After the honeymoon phase that is likely not going to be the case, she says.
But that doesnt mean passion sex is a foregone conclusion.
One way to do that is to schedule sexual intimacy, helping you fit it into your busy schedule.
Specifically, without blame or shame, guilt or pressure, hijacking the conversation, she says.
and We havent connected physically in a while and I miss you.
Would you be open to joining me in the shower or afterward for a cuddle?
can help you continuously work together as a team to keep your sex life enjoyable.
In the event that this doesnt currently feel accessible, Kelleher suggests starting a two-person sex book club.
This will help give you some common-language to talk about sex.
Plus, most have activities and journal prompts that you’re free to complete together.
Plus, it gives you something new to talk about.
Can you rekindle the honeymoon phase?
Post-honeymoon phase, relationships will never feel quite the same again, says Chung.
Turns out, that actually isnt a bad thing on the contraryits the sign of ahealthy early relationship.
If you miss the voraciousness of your sex, you might explore uncharted sexual fantasies.
If you miss the intention of your dates, you’re able to reinstate date nights.
Anxiety-filled questions like Is this how its supposed to be?
and Am I falling out of love?can permeate the end of the honeymoon phase, she explains.
Adapting a both/and perspective can also be useful here, says Kelleher.
But its end isnt cause for concern, nor is it cause for sustained mourning.
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