TBH, the honeymoon phase in any relationship is exactly like that: a sort of phase. Subsequently, it ends, leaving both parties to adjust to a more sustainable and new reality.
For certain couples, this phase ends even before they ask for it. Others might not even experience this phase.
And if you ask me, I’ll tell you it’s one of the best phases of a new relationship – enjoy the ride while it lasts. It’s a special time for couples, no matter how long or short the ride lasts.
On that note, welcome to my blog on the honeymoon phase. In my blog, I’ve discussed in detail:
- What is the honeymoon phase?
- When does the honeymoon phase occur?
- How to enjoy the honeymoon phase?
- What happens after the honeymoon phase is over?
- How to thrive after the honeymoon phase is over?
- Do all relationships undergo the honeymoon phase?
Stay tuned.
What Is The Honeymoon Phase?
Officially, the honeymoon phase typically involves the initial days of a romantic relationship. During this time, everything in the romantic relationship seems to be happy and carefree.
Typically, it lasts six months, and in some cases it can go up to two years. This period is distinctively characterized by fun dates, lots of laughter, and intimacy.
Generally speaking, this phase in a couple’s relationship marks a period where two people are committed to exclusivity but also figuring things out for real. It’s more about learning what your partner likes and, more importantly, dislikes.
Also, this phase is all about a couple’s exciting firsts – you and your partner are building the foundation of your relationship.
When Does The Honeymoon Phase Occur?
So, how long does the honeymoon phase last?
For a majority of couples, the honeymoon phase typically sets in from the initial days. In this context, Michelle Mouhtis, a licensed therapist, told Bride Magazine, “It is the very beginning of a new relationship. It’s when every part of the person you’re dating is fascinating, down to the minute details and weird quirks.”
Perhaps the primary reason this phase is so intriguing and exciting is that it is too early to know everything about your partner’s complete personality, including their positive and negative traits.
Everything about your partner seems to be perfect because you did not have any time to experience or understand their faults. And to be very honest, everyone has flaws. Also, it is possible that some couples experience this phase after taking a major life step, like getting engaged or moving in together.
Moreover, the biggest sign of being in this phase is that everything feels perfect 95% of the time – and that 5% of bad times doesn’t last long.
It is impossible to imagine what their incompatibilities and faults can be – you see them in a positive light, and you cannot imagine what their incompatibilities or flaws could possibly be.
How To Enjoy The Honeymoon Phase?
This phase is like a fairytale in a romantic relationship. Everything is fun, peaceful, and happy. And the most crucial thing that you can do during this time is to enjoy and cherish it. Moreover, it’s a great time to step out on dates, enjoy each other’s company, have adventures, and have a lot of fun.
Also, this is a great time to know your partner better. With your exploration mode on, you will not be able to get enough of your partner. Plus, there’s so much chemistry that will lead to some of the best sex of your life.
What Happens After The Honeymoon Phase Is Over?
Once the honeymoon phase is over, couples start encountering hardships for the first time. They might disagree over anything and everything. And the question that actually pops up is whether someone might want to keep dating their partner after witnessing their flaws.
Anything that seemed fun before might start to feel exhausting and mundane. However, it is vital to go through stuff like this.
So, if your relationship doesn’t go through difficulties, then how will you survive the storm and come out of it holding hands? It shows the relationship’s tenacity and whether it is actually sustainable.
How To Thrive After The Honeymoon Phase Is Over?
A study published in 2022 explores why feelings of positivity fade away after the initial intensity is over. As per this study, factors like boredom, stress, and a demanding lifestyle can influence the quality of your connection.
And it is super important that you and your partner work against this conflict and friction. That way, you will be able to nurture a comforting relationship. On that note, here are some tips that can help you and your partner thrive in the post-honeymoon phase.
1. Keep Going Out On Dates:
So, if you are casually dating your partner and you guys suddenly transition the arrangement into a full-fledged committed relationship, it doesn’t mean that the dating process has to end. You can continue going out on dates, having adventures, and enjoying together.
In fact, I recommend trying new things, taking some risks, and staying open. This way, you can keep things exciting in the post-honeymoon phase.
2. Always Ask Questions:
Even if you and your partner have already spent a lot of time together in the early months of the relationship, there’s still so much to know about each other.
So, it’s always best to keep asking questions – that way, both of you can keep learning about one another and growing in the relationship.
3. Stay Transparent And Honest:
Keeping a transparent, open, and honest line of communication keeps the initial sparks alive for a long time.
I mean, there never goes a day I don’t video call my boyfriend – and we do it several times a day. Of course, we would talk so much initially, but once things settled down, we found our own schedule. It’s been more than six years since I found my man on Tinder, and we have never stopped communicating daily.
And if you are wondering what to talk about, you can always discuss what interests you, your daily thoughts, and anything that you feel like talking about. It does seem pretty normal, but deep connection and attachment stay alive via communication.
In fact, the Global Journal of Health Science published a review that highlighted how good communication skills can refine intimacy in all relationships.
4. Have The Difficult Conversations:
Don’t sidestep any important and difficult conversations, such as the future of the relationship, expectations, dealing with finances, and even getting married. When you allow such topics to bubble under the surface, it creates an awkward tension.
So, it’s best to express your desires and grasp an understanding of your partner’s expectations. This, in turn, will equip you (and your partner) to make better choices about one another and the future of the relationship.
5. Eliminate Conflict:
It is entirely normal to get into arguments with someone you love – what is a relationship without a few arguments? In fact, conflict and arguments are a sign that you actually care about one another.
Having said that, it is crucial to understand that both of you are fighting – and it is best to be healthy about it. Remember, you need to see the problem as an ‘us versus the issue,’ instead of ‘you vs me.’
6. Make Each Other A Priority:
Finally, this is the most important point to remember, especially if you want a long-term, strong relationship.
On that note, continue to prioritize each other’s wants and needs throughout the entire course of the romantic relationship. By this, I mean your partner should be on top of your list when it comes to your energy, time, and affection.
Do All Relationships Undergo The Honeymoon Phase?
Some couples might not have a proper honeymoon phase. Also, it is possible that the phase might go on for a long time. So, there’s literally nothing to worry about if your relationship doesn’t undergo this phase, but it might lead to something healthier in the long run.
This is because you are dating with logic and refusing to get blinded by the newness and butterflies. As a result, in the absence of overwhelming chemistry, partners spend more time getting to know one another – it is more realistic and gradual.
According to most dating experts, relationships that start slow and steady usually transition into something sustainable.
Of course, sometimes there is just no chemistry, and it’s fine to let it go. But if you find interest and attraction without longing and lust, then the connection is absolutely worth your time since the relationship has the potential to grow in the coming years.
