The first stage of love, captivation, occurs when you feel that strong attraction towards one another. You are likely intrigued, passionate, and enthralled by each other. This stage allows you to ignore any of the negative aspects, as you are too focused on all the romantic, positive things that are bubbling in your new relationship. Although this is an exciting chapter, it also will not last forever.

Once the serious conversations are past, the couple will then undergo the commitment phase as they take their relationship to the next level. Typically, this will involve a promise, often in the form of an engagement or marriage, that marks their commitment to one another for a long period of time. This phase also starts the transition from being a ‘me’ to a ‘we.’

The final, and often times, longest stage of the relationship is mature love. In this type of love, couples undergo many different life situations. They raise their children, become empty nesters, and cope with the challenges of aging and the health battles that may come along with that phase. Mature love can also pose challenges that some couples have difficulty coping with, as they may have spent years without working on their relationship. If this occurs, you may have to do a little work to get back to the place you were before.

By understanding these stages, you can recognize the changing needs of your relationship. When you hit rough patches, you can look towards each other to overcome any new challenges or changes that come your way. If you are looking for help with your marriage, contact our expert in marriage counseling, Dr. Phillips, to make an appointment today.