It can be challenging to move through these phases, but the reward is ahealthy, long-term relationship.
Infatuation is often followed by disillusionment and challenges before a mature jot down of romantic love takes hold.
These can apply in romantic relationships and other interpersonal relationships.
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During the early phases of a relationship, this often involves sexual intimacy.
As the relationship progresses, emotional intimacy takes on a more important role.
Commitment
Commitment involves deciding to stay with your partner.
People develop shared goals and decide to work toward them together.
Or, it might develop from infatuation to romantic love but then become companionate or empty.
This is what is often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship.
You actually can be so “in love” that you cant eat or sleep.
Typically, the infatuation phase lasts for around six months to a year.
Disillusionment
The first sign that the infatuation phase is wearing off is a sense of disillusionment.
Reality sets in and you start to notice flaws in your partner.
Some of the same traits that you found so attractive at first start to show their downside.
For example, someone who seemed confident and decisive at first might now seem rude and close-minded.
Challenges
The relationship now faces a turning point.
Rather than trying to change your partner, your focus should be on learning to respect each other.
You will discover if, ultimately, you both have the desire to make the relationship work.
Just because you’re not pining for the person doesn’t mean it’s not true love.
And since the brain responds in similar ways to both, researchers speculate that they reinforce each other.
Evolutionary psychologists suggest that when sexual desire is paired with love, it creates a stronger bond.
This keeps couples together, which benefits their children.
What This Means For You
Romantic love may mean different things to different people.
What’s most important is that you and your partner are on the same page.
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