stage 1 (1-3 months): the honeymoon stage
everything seems perfect, both are happy and feeling “in love.” you share moments, dates and just having fun with each other, sharing laughs and giggles. it’s like nothing could stop you. your feelings are infinite, and for once you’re thinking, “this may work out….” and it seems like nothing could go wrong. you spend hours getting ready before going out with this person.
*if your relationship ended in this stage — most likely, both rushed into the relationship too quickly. being together was all too sudden and just for the moment. when one starts noticing the flaws, one gets a choice to move foward, or back away. being friends has a high percentage of working out, but nothing to stress over. both may just need the time to get to know one another better.
stage 2 (4-6 months): the bumpy road
things are going okay now. the relationship is calm and settled; both are still mostly happy. had a couple arguments and disagreements here and there, nothing huge. start to notice some of each other’s flaws and aspects of their personalities not seen before, but still truly care for one another.
*if your relationship ended in this stage — you truly cared about this person. you had the energy to fight for this person, yet you feel as if something was lacking, something was missing. it doesn’t feel right, one isn’t happy. when one isn’t happy, one tends to walk away to seek their new happiness. being friends is still a possibility.
stage 3 (7-12 months): the rocky mountain
you start to realize who your partner really is. a few more arguments may occur. problems with jealously, overprotectiveness may arise. other people may come in the picture. the “in love” moments start to decrease, but you feel as if you’ve “fallen in love.” you tend to have this energy inside to strive and “make it work,” and you feel more comfortable being around this person, feeling more of yourself.
*if your relationship ends in this stage — you feel as if you’re hurt, depending on the circumstances. you were so sure that that person was “the one.” you were so sure that he/she was different. but like a cancer, a problem that may have happened, a small issue, grew into something larger that took over what was made between two people. you still miss this person from time to time. you still remember the memories. being friends may be difficult right away, but over time, you slowly mature up, and learn the reality of it.
stage 4 (1 year or more): the long road
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years, huh? this person truly means something to you. you are “in love” with this person. he/she made a difference in your life. no one else knows you more than this person. you guys have been through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and still strive to make it last.
*if your relationship ends in this stage — you feel heartbroken; it’s tough. you can’t sleep, can’t eat, you miss him/her, you try to move on, you try meeting new people, but seems like nothing works. for whatever reason the split occured, it must’ve been something important, or something must have been so wrong that it took over. being “just friends” is impossible, because if you tried to be friends, you wouldn’t be able to think of them in any other way besides the one you once “loved.”
