You’re probably not thinking about the different stages of a relationship while you’re with someone. And especially if the relationship is new or restarting after a breakup, it’s not likely on your mind. But if you understand the different stages of a relationship it can help you understand where you are and what’s yet to come.

Of all the stages of a relationship, the first stage is probably the most exciting.  This is the romance stage, the beginning. There’s dating and getting to know each other, and each of you is on your very best behavior because you want to woo the other person.

This stage is often called the honeymoon period, because everything is fresh and new. Everything the other person does probably seems wonderful. You laugh at his jokes, and don’t mind the person’s flaws. In fact, you may even find his flaws endearing. Just like anything new, it can be a great deal of fun and seem adventurous.

The next two stages are the make or break stages that many couples never make it through. They account for things like very short relationships and marriages. The second stage is commonly known as the power struggle stage.

This is when the newness starts to wear off, and usually starts somewhere between six months to a year after the relationships starts. It’s during this time that things start to get serious. Everything isn’t as cute and endearing as it was in the beginning.

Each person in the relationship is trying to get his or her needs met, and they’re starting to notice where the other person falls short in doing that. If you’re in this stage, take a step back. The things you’re finding fault with in the other person are probably flaws that you have also.

If a couple can get through this stage, the relationship has a much better chance of lasting. Unfortunately, many couples try to change each other in the second stage. This leads to break-ups. Honest communication is the key to getting past it. Be understanding, and realize that you have shortcomings, too.

The third of the stages of a relationship is where you realize that you can’t change the other person, and you stop trying. If you came to that realization by talking with your partner and being understanding, then congratulations are in order!

This stage for you will be one of learning to be content with what the other has to offer and learning to take care of yourself. If the power struggle ended badly, then this is the stage where you’re likely to end the relationship.

The next stage is that of commitment. You realized you couldn’t change each other but you still made it work, and you know you want to be together.  Now you can move on to a true partnership, which is the last stage.

Many couples bounce from stage 2 to 3 several times before moving on to commitment. By understanding the stages of a relationship, you’re at least aware of what’s happening and why.

The time at the beginning of a love affair are the best and usually the brightest part of the romance. Everything seems so new and exciting and there is this anticipation that both parties feel wondering if this is “the one.” This point in the relationship is usually called the honeymoon period. It just never seems like it last long enough. Before too long, if there is something at stake in the romance, one or both of them will be asking how to get lover back in love.

After reality sets in there comes some disappointments and with that comes the realization that this isn’t as perfect as you had hoped or thought. The ideal relationship that they once thought this was becomes a bit of a disappointment.

For some it takes years before they realize that the flame that had once burned so bright now is but a slowly dying ember. This is usually the point when a lot of marriages or long term relationships will see troubles such as infidelity or possibly a divorce or break up.

For those who aren’t willing to let that happen or for those who that has recently happened the thing that they need to do I get help. Get relationship advice from someone who has been there and gotten through it or from someone with ideas that can bring a spark back. Ask someone some help on how to get lover back in love. If you ask how to get lover back in love, you will probably hear some suggestions like increase your communication, take a trip together, or talk about old times.

Communication
It should be one of the most obvious things that you need to do when you want to know how to get lover back to loving you. It doesn’t have to be these long, drawn out discussions about what went wrong or something that is bound to bring confrontational feelings out. Small talk is good. Talk about your day. Ask open ended questions about things that will need more than just a quick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

Take A Trip Together
One of the greatest bonding activities is going on a road trip. You could try going somewhere that the two of you used to go early on in the relationship or somewhere brand new. It doesn’t matter if it is just a short trip or long one, good can come out of it. It can be a great step towards finding out how to get lover back and the romance alive again.

Talk About The Old Times
It can be a lot of fun to go and take that old drive down memory lane and just ponder all the things that the two of you used to do. Go back and visit the places that meant something to you back when things were new and exciting. Play an old song or album or movie that had some special meaning to you. Make it seem like some random event or something you just thought of.

There are many more things that you could do but one thing that will really help is just breaking up the routine. The key to making these plans work is to make them seem like spontaneous events. Make the road trip together random. “Stumble upon” the old music or movie and just start playing it. “Accidentally” open a box that has some old memorabilia that will spark a conversation about the old times. The key to finding out how to get lover back and in love comes with setting things in place for the two of you to “fall in love” again.

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How can you tell if you are in a toxic relationship?  Here are some clues:

• Your partner puts you down (verbally) in front of others
• While your partner says they love you, their actions don’t back it up.
• Your partner is controlling – reading your mail or “showing up” at places you are just to “check up” on you.
• Your partner tries to make you dependent on them.
• You have changed things about yourself to please them.

Toxic people make you feel ill just being around them.  So, why would anyone end up in a toxic relationship?  Why would anyone want to be with someone who makes them feel emotionally or physically harmed?

A toxic relationship has a cycle.  There’s a honeymoon period, followed by a blow up, followed by a reconciliation – at which point the cycle begins anew.

When you first meet a new partner, you are obviously in the honeymoon stage.  It is not until they’ve sucked you in further that you realize that you are in a toxic relationship.  At that point, it is difficult to get out.
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