Understanding Love Master

Note: These stages describe the typical development of a relationship. Although these stages may occur in order, it is more likely that your relationship will cycle through the phases, re-visting each stage more than once as you and your partner deal with any issues that arise. In this way your relationship can grow towards its ultimate aim of partnership and true love. These stages are based on the model for relationships originally developed by Susan Campbell in her book The Couple's Journey (1980) and adapted by Dr. Spezzano in his relationship model. This article is a simplification of that model.

We can recognise 4 main phases:

The Honeymoon
The Power Struggle
The Dead Zone
Partnership & True Love

Stage 1 The Honeymoon

The first stage of any romantic relationship is when we fall in love. Our initial attraction to somebody grows rapidly to the point where we feel delicious feelings of connection and love. It seems we have found the love of our life and we will readily believe that this relationship will last forever. The honeymoon stage is a wonderful life experience and shows the potential of the relationship for love and joy.

...pitfalls

- We may be tempted to make long-term commitments in this stage without really knowing our partner. This in itself is not a problem providing we recognise that more challenging stages of the relationship probably lie ahead and have a willingness to deal with any issues that come up.

- We may act rather strangely in this stage (scientists even liken this stage to a form of madness!) and lose focus on our work and the other people in our lives.

...the way through

To fall in love with somebody is the most beautiful experience in life and one to be enjoyed fully! Be prepared though for more challenging times ahead as the relationship develops. Do not panic when this happens - stick with your partner and try to work through the issues described in the next two stages. Always remember the feelings you have in this stage - you can always find them again in the future if you commit to building a better relationship.

Next Stage: The Power Struggle

Legal Notice - Medical Advice

All advice in this website is given in good faith and no responsibility can be accepted by the website owners for issues or problems that occur as a consequence of using the website content. If you have any concerns about your psychological health you are advised to contact a doctor other suitably qualified medical/psychiatric practioner.

© P.J.Granger 2007

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