Emma Roberts
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Feb 10, 2023 · Read full bio. There are five relationship stages: honeymoon, uncertainty, adjustment, acceptance, and commitment. Therapists explain how couples can navigate each stage.
- Assistant Love & Life Editor
- 2 min
- Affection. Most relationships involve different kinds of affection: physical touch. sexual intimacy. loving words. kind gestures. Affection helps you bond and increase closeness.
- Acceptance. Knowing your partner accepts you as you are can help create a sense of belonging in the relationship. Acceptance doesn’t just mean they accept you, though.
- Validation. Even the closest partners don’t always see eye to eye, and that’s OK. When you don’t completely agree, though, you still want to know they’ve heard your concerns and understand where you’re coming from.
- Autonomy. As a relationship deepens, partners often begin sharing interests, activities, and other aspects of daily life. You might notice you’re becoming more of a unit as you grow closer.
- Be fully present. Life has so many parts to it; so many pieces of the puzzle to fit together. There are so many distractions vying for our attention. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in the nitty-gritty of daily life that we forget to be present, especially to our partner.
- Regularly connect. First of all, take time every day to talk to each other beyond the routine niceties. Check in with each other during the day—it doesn’t take much time or effort on your part to ask someone how they’re doing, how the day is going.
- Openly communicate. This is very big. When things are going well and we agree, life and love are great. But, there are times when we don’t agree and when certain topics arise where you and your partner are far apart.
- Don’t get lazy. Over the course of a relationship we get comfortable, maybe too comfortable and complacent. We may stop taking care of ourselves the way we used to.
- You participate in each other’s learning and growth. Each of us is a mirror for the other. We learn from the feelings and behaviors of our partner. Gaining new perspectives through our partner’s life enhances the quality of our own; the relationship is a win-win situation.
- You value and respect each other’s individuality and boundaries. We are all different. Our individual differences should never be seen as being “less than” someone else’s, but as opportunities to gain a new perspective.
- You encourage healthy communication and dialogue. You feel free and comfortable to say what’s on your mind. It should not be expected that you and your partner will agree on everything, so it’s essential to keep your communication straightforward and honest—not critical or judgmental, and not shaming or blaming.
- You share like or similar values. Ideally, you’re on the same page about key life issues—family values, raising children, religious and spiritual life, even politics.
Dec 6, 2023 · Learn why trust is important in relationships and how to deepen or rebuild it with your partner. Find out the impact of lack of trust and the strategies to overcome it.
Oct 14, 2021 · Learn eight tips for a lasting romantic connection with your partner, such as communication, doing things together, working on yourself, and showing appreciation. Find out how to deal with challenges, conflicts, and differences in a relationship.
Apr 10, 2024 · Learn how to maintain a meaningful emotional connection, communicate openly, and resolve conflict with your partner. Find out what makes a healthy relationship and how to stay in love over time.
