Ever think about the stages of a relationship? If you just stop for a minute and think about when you first met how it felt. No doubt it was an exciting time. But as it progresses that excitement tends to wear off a little.

That is the first stage of a relationship. How about the others? If you can really understand how a relationship unfolds and that it doesn’t stay in that wonderful honeymoon period called the first stage you can maintain a union that can last for as long as you want.

In this article, we want to focus on the next two stages; they are critical in understanding and why your relationship may or may not survive.

Relationship Stages

The next two stages are the make or break stages that many couples never make it through. They account for things like very short relationships and marriages.

#1. Stage Two - The second stage is commonly known as the power struggle stage.

This is when the newness starts to wear off, and usually starts somewhere between six months to a year after the relationships starts. It’s during this time that things start to get serious. Everything isn’t as cute and endearing as it was in the beginning.

Each person in the relationship is trying to get his or her needs met, and they’re starting to notice where the other person falls short in doing that. If you’re in this stage, take a step back. The things you’re finding fault with in the other person are probably flaws that you have also.

If a couple can get through this stage, the relationship has a much better chance of lasting. Unfortunately, many couples try to change each other in the second stage. This leads to break-ups. Honest communication is the key to getting past it. Be understanding, and realize that you have shortcomings, too.

#2. Stage Three - The third stage of a relationship is where you realize that you can’t change the other person, and you stop trying. If you came to that realization by talking with your partner and being understanding, then congratulations are in order!

This stage for you will be one of learning to be content with what the other has to offer and learning to take care of yourself. If the power struggle ended badly, then this is the stage where you’re likely to end the relationship.

The next stage is that of commitment. You realized you couldn’t change each other but you still made it work, and you know you want to be together.  Now you can move on to a true partnership, which is the last stage.

Many couples bounce from stage 2 to 3 several times before moving on to commitment. By understanding the stages of a relationship, you’re at least aware of what’s happening and why.

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  5. The 5 Emotional Stages Of A Relationship Breakup – How To Survive The Break Up Healing Process

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