Every relationship goes through different stages. Some of these stages are exciting and full of possibility, while others can be challenging and difficult. But all of these stages are important, as they help us to learn and grow as individuals and as partners.

Relationships are the spice of life, but they can also be a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs, twists and turns.

As couples progress through their relationship, they go through different stages that shape their experience. Understanding these stages can help you navigate the rocky road of love, and ensure that your relationship stays on track.

So let's dive in and explore how relationships change for couples.

4 Stages of a Relationship:

1. Honeymoon Stage

The first stage of any relationship is the honeymoon phase, where everything is sunshine and rainbows. The honeymoon stage is the initial stage of a relationship, when everything is new and exciting. You are constantly in love and can't get enough of each other.

According to psychologist Dr. Scott Stanley, this is the stage where "romantic love is at its peak."

You can't get enough of each other, and everything your partner does seems perfect. This is also the stage where you are most likely to overlook any flaws or red flags. The honeymoon phase can last anywhere from a few months to a year.

Couply app is a great way to get to know your partner more and do fun activities/date together during this stage. Couply has tons of relationship quizzes and couple games that you can do both together. Couple's quizzes will help you understand each other better. Learn more about you and your partner with couple's personality quizzes that uncover your unique personalities developing a deeper understanding between you both.

You can also take the Love Style Quiz in the Couply App and get new date ideas each week! 

2. Power Struggle Stage

As the relationship progresses, couples move into the second stage, which is the power struggle stage. The power struggle stage is often the most difficult stage of a relationship. This is the stage when the honeymoon period is over and you start to see each other's flaws. This can be a time of great tension and conflict.

At this point, the rose-tinted glasses come off, and couples start to see each other's flaws. This can be a difficult stage, as couples often feel like they are no longer on the same page.

According to psychologist Dr. John Gottman, "70% of all couples have experienced this power struggle stage in their relationship."

This stage is all about learning how to communicate effectively and compromise with your partner.

The power struggle stage is a normal part of any relationship. It is a time to learn how to communicate effectively and to resolve your differences. It is also a time to learn how to compromise and to be more understanding of your partner.

The power struggle stage can be a difficult time, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow as a couple. By communicating effectively and being willing to compromise, you can overcome this stage and build a stronger relationship.

Take the Enhancing Communication and Communication Style course in the Couply app if want to learn how to better understand each other's communication style communicate more effectively in conflict situations.

3. Stability Stage

The third stage of a relationship is the stability stage, where couples have found a sense of balance in their relationship. This is the stage when you start to feel truly connected to your partner. You feel comfortable being yourself and you can rely on each other for support. They have learned to communicate effectively and have found ways to compromise. This is the stage where couples start to plan for the future and make long-term commitments.

According to psychologist Dr. Nancy Wesson, "this stage is where the real work of a relationship begins."

Couples need to continue to work on their communication and compromise skills to ensure that their relationship stays strong.

The stability stage is a time to build a strong foundation for your relationship. It is a time to learn how to communicate effectively and to resolve your conflicts in a healthy way. It is also a time to learn how to support each other and to be there for each other through thick and thin.

The stability stage is a wonderful time in a relationship. It is a time to enjoy each other's company and to build a life together. By nurturing your relationship and continuing to put in the effort, you can ensure that your relationship thrives in this stage and beyond.

4. Commitment Stage

The final stage of a relationship is the commitment stage, where couples have made a long-term commitment to each other. This is the stage where couples have reached a deep level of intimacy and trust with each other. You are both committed to making the relationship work and you are willing to put in the effort.

The commitment stage is a time to celebrate your love and to reaffirm your commitment to each other. It is also a time to face the challenges of life together and to grow as a couple.

According to psychologist Dr. Robert Sternberg, "at this stage, couples have a deep understanding of each other and have learned how to work through their differences."

This stage requires ongoing effort and commitment from both partners to maintain the relationship.

The commitment stage is a wonderful time in a relationship. It is a time to enjoy each other's company and to build a life together. By nurturing your relationship and continuing to put in the effort, you can ensure that your relationship thrives in this stage and beyond.

3 Changes Every Relationship Goes through

So, what are the changes that couples go through in relationships change as they progress through these stages?

1. Level of Intimacy and Trust

One major change is the level of intimacy and trust that develops between partners. The level of intimacy and trust in a relationship can change over time. When you first start dating, you may be more cautious about sharing personal information or being vulnerable with your partner. However, as the relationship progresses, you may feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings, and you may develop a deeper level of trust. You share more intimate details about your lives.

According to Dr. Stanley, "as couples move through the stages, they start to reveal more about themselves to each other, which leads to a deeper level of intimacy and trust."

Every relationship starts with a certain level of intimacy and trust. As the relationship progresses, this level of intimacy and trust can deepen or weaken. This is influenced by many factors, such as the amount of time you spend together, the level of communication, and the experiences you share.

2. Way of Communication

Another change that occurs is the way couples communicate with each other. The way you communicate with your partner is essential for a healthy relationship. Effective communication means being able to share your thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly, and being able to listen to your partner's thoughts and feelings with understanding and respect.

There are many different ways to communicate, including verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and written communication. The best way to communicate will vary depending on the situation and the people involved.

According to Dr. Gottman, "couples need to learn how to communicate effectively and to listen to each other's needs and concerns."

In the honeymoon phase, communication is often effortless, as couples are so infatuated with each other. However, as couples move into the power struggle stage, communication can become more challenging.

As couples progress through the stages, their communication skills improve, and they learn how to express themselves more effectively.

3. Perception of the Relationship

One final change that occurs as couples progress through the stages is the way they view their relationship. The perception of a relationship is how each partner sees the relationship. This can be influenced by many factors, such as their individual experiences, their expectations, and their communication style.

For example, one partner may see the relationship as being very close and intimate, while the other partner may see it as being more casual and relaxed. It is important for partners to be aware of each other's perceptions and to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and expectations.

According to Dr. Wesson, "couples need to learn to accept each other's flaws and to work on improving their relationship."

In the honeymoon phase, couples often see their relationship as perfect and flawless. However, as they move through the stages, they start to see the flaws and imperfections.

As couples progress through the stages, they develop a deeper appreciation for their relationship and the work that goes into making it successful.

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In conclusion, relationships are an ever-evolving journey filled with challenges.

As couples progress through the different stages of their relationship, they experience changes in their level of intimacy, communication, and view of the relationship. While these changes can be challenging, they are also opportunities for growth and development as a couple. By understanding the different stages of a relationship, couples can work together to navigate the challenges and build a strong and fulfilling partnership.

As psychologist Dr. Harriet Lerner says, "it's not what happens in a relationship that determines its success, but how you deal with it."

So, whether you're in the honeymoon phase or the commitment stage, remember to communicate effectively, show appreciation for your partner, and work together to build a strong and lasting relationship.

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References:

1. "Romantic love is at its peak" - Dr. Scott Stanley - Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sliding-vs-deciding/201207/the-trajectory-romantic-relationships
2. "70% of all couples have experienced this power struggle stage in their relationship" - Dr. John Gottman - Source: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
3. "This stage is where the real work of a relationship begins" - Dr. Nancy Wesson - Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201405/the-5-stages-lasting-love
4. "At this stage, couples have a deep understanding of each other and have learned how to work through their differences" - Dr. Robert Sternberg - Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/theories-of-love-2795322
5. "As couples move through the stages, they start to reveal more about themselves to each other, which leads to a deeper level of intimacy and trust" - Dr. Scott Stanley - Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sliding-vs-deciding/201207/the-trajectory-romantic-relationships
6. "Couples need to learn how to communicate effectively and to listen to each other's needs and concerns" - Dr. John Gottman - Source: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
7. "Couples need to learn to accept each other's flaws and to work on improving their relationship" - Dr. Nancy Wesson - Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201405/the-5-stages-lasting-love
8. "It's not what happens in a relationship that determines its success, but how you deal with it" - Dr. Harriet Lerner - Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-dance-connection/201508/its-not-what-happens-relationships-its-how-you-deal-it

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