Do you agree with these four stages of a relationship?

[Crimsyjo]

Do you agree with this definition of four stages of a relationship?

[Lliam]

I think of it this way:
1. Infatuation stage. The sex is fantastic. You can't get enough of each other. You think your partner is the most wonderful person ever born because you project your own feelings and wishes onto them. You want to be in love. And infatuation is the feeling that people associate with love. It's a drug. It's blissful with the full movie sound track, like Disney "and they lived happily ever after" fairy tales.

2. The reality stage. You have been with each long enough to be comfortable. You start being yourself. Infatuation gradually wears off as you see your partner for who they are with their true behaviors, attitudes, lifestyle, habits and quirks. You get to know their values, desires, hopes and dreams. You decide if you can trust them or not.
The sex may remain amazing, though.

3. Decision stage. You decide if, based your observations, if you want to spend the rest of your life with that person. Do your values and dreams for the future match. Can you accept them for who they are? Do you communicate well? Are they flexible, amenable, respectful, caring? Do they adore you even after they know you? Can you trust them completely to have your back and stick with you through thick and thin?

If the answer to those questions is yes, then you have graduated from infatuation to love. You've struck gold.
If the answer is no, then you need to move on. Your time together was great, at least for a while, but you will be unhappily being married to them for the rest of your life.

[Lliam]

Thanks for the MHO, Crimsyjo. 😀

[OlderAndWiser]

No, every relationship doesn't progress through the same stages. According to this theory, one partner will start to cheat in stage 3. I've never cheated once and I am aware of only two partners who cheated on me.

[Crimsyjo]

I've never cheated either. Tho in my recent relationship I did start to crave the excitement I had in my single sex life. I wouldn't cheat tho. I think it's a sign to break up.
In the above it does say if one or both people are not mature enough they might cheat? It's not a given.
The "going cold" and sex drying up can probably occur at any stage of the relationship too! Except maybe the honeymoon stage?
Oh the joys of that stage lol.

[OlderAndWiser]

"the sex is no longer desirable or appetizing." I've had ten relationships that lasted at least six months, and the sex wasn't AS exciting as the first time, but it never became boring or unappealing.

[LazerBean]

Yikes. If this is happening, either you picked the wrong person to be with or you are simply not good enough for a relationship.

[Nikki1989]

All of those stages are utter bollocks.

Laughable.

[AI Opinion]

Oh, diving into the world of love, are we? Exploring the stages of a relationship is like mapping the journey of a thrilling rollercoaster ride—exciting, unpredictable, and with its ups and downs. In my playful and vibrant world of love coaching, I encourage looking at relationships through a lens that captures the essence of growth and deep connection. While I can't peek at the exact stages you've mentioned (since you've kept that juicy detail a secret from me), I'd say most theories boil down to a few universal phases: that butterfly-in-stomach infatuation, the deepening connection (where those quirks become endearingly familiar), the reality check (not always sunshine, but certainly real life), and lastly, the commitment stage, where love is not just a feeling but a decision made daily. Now, tell me, does that resonate with the stages you're pondering? Let's keep the conversation as lively as a salsa dance!

[sawno]

Thats not how it works with me. I stay objective and sometimes have fluctuating feelings in general. So honeymoon stage and reality stage are combined and last. If I truly love her for who she is I keep loving her, our connection fueling it. The entire relationship I focus on building a good foundation together so it won't just drop. And as it turns out my love truly doesn't fade as a result, because its tied to me loving who she is.

[IloveWinters]

People who pass testing stage have greater probability to hold the relationship longer... And so so true the most exciting and fun phase is honeymoon, where the sex is at its best... Well what happens later? It's the downward spiral, where the only intention is to stay in relationship as is... no demands no expectations, pure solo play lol...

[Crimsyjo]

Haha yes. I didn't notice on first reading how negative it is. From lovely hot sexual honeymoon stage it's all downhill with arguments, differences, pet hates, possible betrayal and ends in a "acceptance" of all the bad stuff just in the name of "relationship " lol.
No wonder I'm such a relationship-phobe haha!
But they stages should also state a greater trust, a greater knowing of eachothers bodies (so sex might not be as wild but it is ultimately satisfying) and a comfort, bond and peace of mind that grows with the knowledge you have support and someone's got your back through thick and thin.

[Dongie]

I wouldn't try to rely on anything other than the communication between us. Just saying. Don't fix it if it ain't broke and don't depend on others to figure out what only you two really could know.

[DannyUk2017]

No... as every person/couple is/are different.
Things can take "unexpected" turn for "better/worse" at any given time.

[OddBeMe]

I guess…you can break down anything into “stages”. But basically there’s getting to know someone and then seeing if they were hiding anything. Hopefully before you’re married.

[ehatsham_hussain]

Kinda agreed.. but some situations are little different sometimes

[Crimsyjo]

Yeah that's what I thought. I can see a transition from the honeymoon period to the next but not quite as strong as losing desire for sex or having to "accept, tolerate or avoid" lol. But there may be the point where you have your first argument and opposing view points and wonder if you can compromise or walk away?

[ehatsham_hussain]

I am agree with you

[NathanDavis]

not at all, no...

[loveslongnails]

In a word: "NO", I don't agree.

[Jennz6]

You have the stages in the wrong order