One of the most beautiful and profound feelings that one can experience is falling in love. 

The need for human connection appears to be innate, but the ability to be in and form loving and healthy relationships is learned over time. As we grow up, there are different kinds of love that we experience. However, most of us seek its expression in a romantic partner who checks off all the boxes.

Romantic relationships are often one of the most meaningful aspects of our lives and can provide a deep sense of fulfillment. They can provide connection and a sense of comfort, security, and a safe space for learning and healing. 

These relationships don’t often come easy, though. Successful and strong long-term relationships are subject to change over time, just like the people within them. 

That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between temporary infatuation and true love as well as just how relationships can evolve with time and effort. The so-called “honeymoon stage” can make new couples feel like they’re met their perfect match, but without genuine connection and compatibility, budding relationships can sour.

The Stages of Falling in Love

Between the first time we meet someone and the time we begin to fall in love, a long journey filled with multiple stages occurs. 

The vital thing to know is that everybody has their own timeline and steps. For some, these phases may overlap or even get skipped. Regardless, in most relationships, two prominent stages occur: the honeymoon stage, and the “true love” stage.

The Honeymoon Stage 

Once an individual has met someone and begun to pursue them romantically, a couple tends to enter into an exciting period of the relationship called “the honeymoon stage.” 

This point is also known as “the attraction stage.” During the honeymoon stage, infatuation, lust, and high levels of physical and personal attraction are often experienced, making this period feel exhilarating and like the start of something truly special.

During the honeymoon stage, we tend to see new partners through rose-colored glasses; everything about them may seem perfect. 

They can make no true mistakes, have no faults, and seem like a dream come true.  Many people find that nearly everything their partner does makes them seem more interesting and attractive. 

The honeymoon stage is certainly fun to be a part of, but it can be dangerous. Perhaps the biggest reason the honeymoon phase might be exhilarating for young couples is that it is too early to know the partner intimately, including both a partner’s positive and negative traits.

Because the honeymoon stage usually comes before serious commitment or connection, it can be misleading. It can give the illusion that two people are better suited for each other than they truly are and lead couples to rush into serious decisions (moving in together, traveling together, etc.) too soon.

The honeymoon stage isn’t inherently a bad thing, though. When recognized for what it is – a time to connect with your new partner, test the waters, and have fun – it can be a time full of positive memories and new experiences.

For many, this period is marked with a lot of laughter, good conversations, fun dates, and intimacy. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and enjoying the beginning of a relationship, but the important thing to realize is that the honeymoon phase is just that: a phase.

Transitional Stage

The transition out of the honeymoon stage usually occurs after 6 months to 2 years, depending on the couple. Moving out of the honeymoon stage can feel scary; it can feel challenging to determine whether you’re maturing as a couple or if things are dying down.

No matter what, it is essential to realize that everyone eventually will fall out of the honeymoon phase. As partners get to know each other and become more comfortable, the urge to impress one another or keep things constantly interesting naturally fades.

The honeymoon phase can be understood as a fleeting feeling of wonder, excitement, and sexual arousal, proving to be addicting at first. But transitioning to a relationship based on real love is different and more powerful. 

During this point, things might feel more familiar and safe. You may settle into a routine with your partner and spend more time alone together. Your desire to be with them all the time may fade, but only because you’ve learned to include them in your life instead of making them your life.

This turning point is essential for a successful relationship because you finally look at your partner as their most authentic self – you accept them with their flaws, insecurities, and personal challenges (and acknowledge that they’re not perfect), and your connection is likely much stronger and deeper because of it.

The Final Stage: True Love

Once feelings of infatuation have faded, genuine and long-lasting love begins to form. Once both partners begin to look at each other as a whole – including flaws, vulnerabilities, conflicts, and more – and accept one another, true love can be found.

Long-term relationships start to build when the honeymoon phase slowly and gradually wanes out. This does not mean that the relationship is no longer fun or exciting. It just means that both partners are comfortable even when it is not (because love overpowers everything). 

At this point, a couple can move towards a strong commitment built on love, trust, communication, and partnership. This is the stage that you realize that you are best friends, lovers but most importantly, partners for life.  

Takeaway: Love and People Evolve

True love is beautiful, empowering, and one of the most wondrous experiences in life. 

Moving away from the honeymoon phase may seem challenging and scary because it means some bumps down the road or even roadblocks. Remember, though, that your partner is holding your hand and walking this journey with you – take things at a pace that feels right for you, and don’t be afraid to embrace change as it comes.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target su