5 Stages of a Relationship and How to Survive Them

Each relationship is different, yet some stages can be recognized in each of them. In fact, a survey has revealed that there are typically five stages of a relationship.  

But, learning how to survive the different stages of a relationship is a matter of major concern here.

There are instances when we think we are unable to stretch the relationship further. Giving up on the same seems a lot easier to us than making efforts to restore the connection to what it was initially. 

Do you realize why all the initial excitement wears out after some time? Why do couples switch from the mushy stage into the irritational mode?

This happens due to many factors, among others not recognizing the stage we are in and the expectations that come with it. Instead, we are ignorant of the existence of different stages of a relationship.

As mentioned earlier, there are 5 stages of a relationship. Understanding the importance of each stage is crucial to navigating the different relationship dynamics and winning the chance at better surviving relationships. 

5 stages of a relationship

Here we are elaborating on the different stages of a relationship and understanding how to survive these to end up together forever. The five stages of relationship progression are – 

1. The romance stage

One of the most early stages of a relationship is the romance stage. Everyone is familiar with this phase in a relationship and most likely, so are you. This is the first of the relationship milestones.

Do you feel butterflies fluttering inside your stomach? Can you hear the loud thumping of your heartbeat each time you catch a glimpse of that person? Do you experience sweaty palms and face blush, or do you just mumble while speaking to that special one?

These are the visible signs you are in love and have just stepped onto the very first phase of a relationship. This is one stage where the partners get to know each other and fall in love. Emotions are high, and even obvious imperfections in our partner are overlooked. 

Related Reading: The Role of Romance in a Relationship and its Importance

2. The power struggle stage

This is the second one of romantic relationship stages. Now, some of us do not even consider the possibility of a shared future while we are in the first stage. 

For some relationships, this is the time when they will come to an end, tragic or otherwise. This phase could be one of the hard times in a relationship. 

In the second stage, the initial sweetheart romance is already over. You are back from your dreamland and trying to figure out your expectations out of this very relationship. The relationship struggle for power often becomes a real test for couples. 

Time for a reality check!

Now is the time to face the reality of love, life, and relationships. Partners are now able to see the imperfections that were once overlooked in the romance stage. 

The natural response is to accuse the other of changing, and there are expectations from each partner to try to get back the person they knew in the romance stage. 

You have to understand that this is one of the challenging stages of a relationship where a sudden shift in life’s events and circumstances generates anger, resentment, and a lot of arguments. 

3. The stability stage

The great thing about getting past the power struggle stage is getting to the stability stage. This can also be counted as one of the most important stages of a relationship. This is the third of the relationship steps. 

If you stayed together, it means you have learned to accept the differences and imperfections.  

As a result of this comes the stability stage. Ideally, you are reminded of why you fell in love and are willing to share power and compromise in the relationship. This is the stage where you can find peace in the relationship and understand each other.

Here is what you need to understand about the 5 stages of a relationship.

4. The commitment stage

This is the stage of the ring or firm commitment.

Fourth in the list of five stages of the relationship, this stage promises a better and brighter future for both partners. The dark clouds of doubts have cleared. Both have survived the previous phases of a relationship and have accepted each other for who they are.

Both the good and the bad are on the table, and they feel sure that this is the very person they want to share their lives with. 

A relationship is continuous work. It is important to continue working on the relationship.

And, you have one last stage to cover!

Related Reading: 15 Signs of Commitment Issues and How to Overcome Them

5. The bliss stage

This is where the relationship is more than just about the two persons in it. It is the last among the relationship levels.

The couple is now ready to create together, and this can include a family or business together. As you start to embrace the world and bring outside elements into the relationship, it is important to take time to nurture the relationship.

How to survive different stages of a relationship

1. How to survive the romance stage

It is a lot easier to survive the romance stage because this is the time when we are madly in love and will do everything to please our significant other. During this time, we get to know the other person, explore each other, and enjoy the moments we get to spend together. 

But, this is also the time when partners try to build a strong foundation of communication, trust, and love, based on which the following stages of a relationship have a chance to survive and thrive. After all, relationships can never be a bed of roses only. 

The long-term survival and sustenance of the relationship depend primarily on how strong your foundation is, which you have laid down during the initial stage of the relationship or worked on improving later on.

If you wonder how to survive in a relationship, then pay attention to this stage where partners work together towards a shared future.

2. How to survive the power struggle phase

The key to surviving this stage is to understand that everyone, including your partner, is different and imperfect. Additionally, we all have flaws, which, coupled with our good qualities, make us who we are. This is the time to embrace the difference and remember the love foundation that was built before.

Related Reading: How to Manage the Differences in Your Relationship

3. How to survive the stability stage

To survive this stage and have a thriving lasting relationship, continue to do the work of embracing the differences and rekindling the love. 

At this stage, you do not want to call it quits, because not only do you enjoy your partner’s company and feel comfortable with where you are, you also do not want to go through the process of finding someone all over again. 

Surviving this stage is not very difficult, because both the partners may feel secure about the relationship and themselves.

4. How to survive the commitment stage

When you choose to commit to your partner, you already feel you have conquered the worst that being in a relationship could throw at you. 

However, while you may have embraced each other’s faults and imperfections, the commitment stage requires you to choose each other, every day. To survive this stage, it is vital that you start to think of a future together, so you have something to look forward to. 

5. How to survive the bliss stage

The bliss stage of a relationship is the ultimate step in a relationship. Surviving the bliss stage is a process because if you and your partner stay together for the rest of your life, this is the stage you would want to be in. 

Ensuring a healthy relationship and partnership can help you survive the bliss stage of the relationship. 

The bottom line

Remember – all partnerships have their relationship ups and downs. If each person is willing to do the work, understanding the various stages, the couple can see the long-term benefits.