Keep that spark alive
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Sigh.
Is there any feeling better than New Relationship Energy?
It’s what makes you want to spend all your time with your new love.
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Its why it might feel like your skin is buzzing and your heart is bursting whenever they are around.
Its all about thosebutterfliesin your stomach and the conversations that stretch into the early hours of the morning.
As magical and intoxicating as this new relationship energy feels, it doesnt last forever.
As the relationship progresses, these emotions gradually wane and fade as reality sets in.
Just because the shine has worn off doesnt mean anything is wrong with your relationship.
Its not only normalits completely expected!
Understanding NRE
New relationship energy emerges at the start of a romantic relationship.
Our brains naturally get activated when we encounter new thingsincluding new people," Engler says.
Under normal circumstances, this mechanism helps protect us from danger.
This works a little differently when we are falling in love.
“Its like feeling nervous-excited about riding a roller coaster vs. nervous-scared about taking a test.”
The Brains Reward System
Physical and sexual chemistry help amplify feelings of new relationship energy.
The brains reward system also plays a role in amplifying these feelings.
Increased Vulnerability
Engler also notes that certain parts of our brains becomelessactive when we fall in love.
How long does NRE last?
This change is natural, but understandably, it might be concerning or disheartening for some couples.
How Do These Feelings Affect Us?
New relationship energy is typically a great thing.
It feels good and helps us forge satisfying relationships.
All this good energy can have a positive impact on your relationship, too.
Couples who experience a lot of this energy are often more affectionate and communicative.
venture to remember that the strong emotions that characterize this phase of your relationship will temper with time.
Papa suggests thatboundariescan be key, which also involves investing time in your other relationships with friends and family.
Make an intentional effort to make time for yourexisting relationships, commitments, and obligations.
Carving out space for other things ensures you dont let those parts of your life fall by the wayside.
It also helps you maintain your personal space and individuality without letting the relationship become all-consuming.
Transparency can foster greaterintimacy,trust, and understanding.
Manage Expectations
Everything may feel perfect when youre caught up in this new relationship energy.
But its important to remember that no matter how great things seem, no relationship is free from challenges.
Things that didnt bother you before may start to annoy or irritate you.
Remind yourself that disagreements are part of every relationship.
Spotting these problems can help you navigate them more successfully and prevent them from creating relationship roadblocks.
After all, there’s a reason why it’s called the honeymoon phase.
Everything is new and exciting.
But were sometimes so enamored that we miss out on glaring red flags and warnings.
Healthy relationshipsare rooted ininterdependence.
People recognize the value of their emotional bond while maintaining a strong sense of self.
Engler notes this means giving our partners all of our attention.
This tends to change once the relationship becomes safe and secure.
Brain chemicals settle down, and we may start to take our partner for granted.
That’s when those intense feelings of NRE begin to fizzle and fade.
Research suggests it is often the normal grind of daily life that wears on this new relationship energy.
Boredom, stress, and daily life demands can challenge your bond.
The good news is that you dont have to choose between passion and stability.
Novel activities don’t have to be wild adventures, Engler explains.
Seek Quality Time Together
A huge part of that new relationship energy involves wanting tospend time together.
As time passes, the obligations and stresses of life sometimes get in the way.
Papa says that finding opportunities to connect is important.
Stay Curious and Communicate
Communicationis the key to any healthy relationship.
In fact, evidence indicates that having strong communication abilities can be an effective way to boost relationship intimacy.
As we become more comfortable with our partners, we sometimes feel like we know everything about them.
There are a variety of tools that can help you learn more about your partner.
Be Vulnerable
Engler explains thatvulnerabilitycan foster connection, which also help reignite new relationship energy.
Relationship games can be a great way to spark deeper conversations.
Appreciate Your Partner
Time can sometimes make us take the little things for granted.
One study found that seeing and understanding your partner’s gratitude can powerfully impact relationship satisfaction.
When people feel like their partner appreciates them, they feel more satisfied with the relationship.
Remember, the greatest relationships are built on excitementandstability.
Its normal for your relationship to change over time.
Abreu-Afonso J, Ramos MM, Queiroz-Garcia I, Leal I.How couple’s relationship lasts over time?
2023;14(8):900-910. doi:10.1177/19485506221137958
The Wall Street Journal.Make friends with another couple.
Your relationship may depend on it.
