Talking may be more than “Chit Chat.”

Dating nowadays has transformed into a series of four stages. We’ll divulge each stage today by going through the process of romantic relationships & how they begin and sometimes have chaotic endings. 

Cupcake Stage: This stage can last a couple of weeks or months. It’s the super-sweet sugar-coated part of the relationship. In this part, affection can be overloaded. There seems to be a never-ending bond, and the partners are inseparable. It’s rare to fall into conflict for the simple idea that it’s all positive, and nothing terrible will happen. Introduction of “I love you’s” and situations like, “You hang up?” “No, you hang up!” transpire until your family, friends, and peers could vomit. It’s tons of fun moments you should cherish because, despite all efforts, it will not last. A point of change will come. 

Talking Stage: For some, this stage may overlap with the cupcake stage. It’s a period of testing out the relationship consisting of some ground rules. Here we establish that for sure, it is just you two in this relationship. Reality may hit. People are trying to impress their partners and put their best foot forward. Flaws that you overlooked before appear while you’re still relatively new. This stage is fantastic to get the feel of a person. At around the second month to six months, we level off into a stagnant routine of “How are yous?” you may still get many “I love yous.” This may involve texting, phone calls, and many social activities where the two of you can invade each other’s space. Learning each other’s habits and becoming comfortable with the person. It’s complicated when explaining this stage because some “talking” occurs before officially dating, which leads us to the next level.

Dating Stage: After the initial courting stages, you’ll go through disappointments. Seriously the reality of your choices will set in. If you work through the flaws of the relationship, then an agreement to date will be established. A stage that will be a pyramid of steps where ups and downs will ensure a stronger bond between the two. Hormones calm down a lot compared to the Honeymoon phase (cupcake stage), naturalizing habits pop out, and things that used to be “cute” may become irritating. A pattern of overspending, being neat, organized compared to sloppy and unorganized may become issues, interests in spending time on dates uprise. The question of “What are we?” is answered by this point. It’s essential to communicate and express inner feelings to reign in decision making when it comes to the relationship. Focus on pushing to reach commitment ultimately.

Commitment Stage: Finally, once you reach this stage, you’re married- sike I was joking-, but it can be a time of celebration. They know each other on a personal level. Lifestyle, finances, future goals, and questions about children will be discussed. Does he/she want children? How about a condo or a white picket fenced house? What kind of diet does he/she have? Who is the morning person? Questions deeper than “What’s their favorite color?”, but you should know that one, as well. Decisions are made about inclusively working together. Here agreements about working for the future are mutual. Forgiveness and apologizing help maintain this love. Intimacy is at it’s highest as the two try to become one. A stage that a lot struggle to reach but could be the move towards marriage.

 

If you never seem to make it out of the cupcake stage. Don’t sweat it! Over half the Americans from age 18-34 years old don’t have reported to the Washington Post, that they don’t have a steady partner. When you are ready to get back out there just keep these four stages in mind!

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