5 STAGES OF A RELATIONSHIP

1. ROMANCE STAGE

All relationships begin with this stage. The need satisfied here is love and belonging. This stage i s characterised by its dream like qualities, fantasies, hopes for the future, the possibilities and the asking of "what if". Everything is wonderful, beautiful, fun and exciting.


2. POWER STRUGGLE STAGE

The need satisfied now is power and some freedom. There is an awareness now that you are different but the premise remains that differences are bad.


3. STABILITY STAGE

The need satisfied in this stage is freedom and choice. You are now aware of each others personal world instead of just your own and the difference is okay. It is finally clear you are not going to reshape your partner. Clear boundaries are determined.


4. COMMITMENT STAGE

This is the only stage where there really is a readiness for marriage though people usually have already married in the romance stage. That's unfortunate because when they reach the power struggle stage they wonder what hit them.

In this stage you are wide awake, making clear choices about yourself and your partner, based both on individual differences and those things you have in common.


5. CO-CREATION STAGE

In this stage you are two people who have decided to be a team moving out into the world. The equation is you + me =3D you + me + us within the world. This world may include children, a project, a church, a joint business venture, etc.

You move beyond the relationship. The danger at this stage is over involvement with the outside world and relationship being neglected. The relationship must be continually nurtured along the way. There needs to be time for you, for me, for us and for them. This is difficult sometimes and choices must be made.


xoxo RitzyNina