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What are the key ingredients to a successful and long lasting relationship? Effort, intention, attention, and looking at the long game. And humor! LOTS of humor! Couples that share an openness and willingness to traverse through the stages of love, despite the inherent ups and downs, will find themselves on the other side if they can weather the storms that often arise, even if it doesn't feel that way in the moment.
The Romantic Stage.
Feelings of bliss and happiness are universal and magnified with new relationships during this stage of love. Think where have you been all my life! Your world is wonderful. Differences are viewed as strengths. There is a great emphasis on similarities and sameness. We are fixated on this other person often to the exclusion of other things and people. We are obsessed. You forget about your limitations, fears, and inhibitions. You feel whole, connected, and loved! But, it’s easy to neglect other relationships and have intense focus on your new partner. Tread carefully because an overly enmeshed relationship prevents maintenance of your own identity. For some it can lead to codependency.
As time marches on, a shift in the relationship occurs. After months of going full speed at 80 mph, there is a shift. The effect of the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter, Dopamine, has worn off and you find yourself less high on love. Reality sets in. Hello, power struggles!
Power Struggle Stage.
The rose-colored glasses have become a little less 'rosy.’ The illusion that romantic love will last forever is often replaced with disappointment. A shift occurs from your similarities to differences. Behaviors that were once cute have become annoyances. People attempt to change their partner back to what they thought they were or what they created in their mind. Arguments and disagreements increase. Miscommunication occurs due to different communication styles. Many relationships cannot weather the storms.
Each clash or power struggle makes you feel a little less hopeful about your future together and affects your sense of security in the relationship. This makes you feel more out of balance. Whereas once is felt good to be together, there is now uncertainty about what to expect from your partner. If couples are not careful, they can resort to punitive tactics such as guilt, shame, and fear - in their attempt to get their attention. Couples also blame the other for the relationship demise and want them to change.
During this process, work towards these things to prevent the relationship ending:
The goal of this stage is to establish your autonomy without destroying your love connection. Relationships gain strength if each person is able to manages their own feelings, handle disagreements amicably, and is open to improving and changing - if necessary - their communication styles.
This stage provides an opportunity for each person to dig a little deeper and discover what’s important to you and find ways to challenge yourself to continue to give in ways that further strengthen your relationship. When resolved in healthy ways, the conflicts that relationships endure help strengthen your emotional intimacy with each other.
The relationship becomes more realistic, rather than an idealized “fantasy.”
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The Stability Stage.
During this stage, there is a greater awareness of each other’s behaviors, differences, and annoyances. Both have worked through establishing roles and independence and have moved away from the power struggles that once monopolized the relationship. Disagreements are just that – disagreements. They do not necessarily turn into arguments but if they do, they are manageable.
A relationship rhythm has developed and each person experiences a greater feeling of relaxation. There is trust and safety allowing each person to move away from the relationship in healthy ways without the relationship feeling threatened. However, despite the positivity in the relationship, boredom lurks around the corner. This can lead to apathy or infidelity. Some people start to move away from rather than towards their partner. They might begin to ‘lean out’ of the relationship. Couples start to take one another for granted. There is less attention, intention, and investment in the relationship.
The Commitment Stage.
Clear choices about yourself and your partner are made. You have recognized both your and your partner’s shortcomings and accepted them. You have been able to manage the bad times and embrace the good times. Despite the bad, you can rise above and still enjoy the other’s company. You don’t need the person; rather, you choose to be with this person. There is a balance between power, freedom, love, and belonging.
Some questions people ask include: Can you see yourself with this person long term? Do you have shared interests and goals? Does this person add, not take away, from your life? Is this person the total package? Do you work as a team?
These questions are reminders that relationships always need continued work, attention, and commitment.
Key points in love to embrace: