Have you ever thought about the stages of dating? Maybe you haven't put much thought into it, but each stage of a relationship comes with commitments and sacrifices. By recognizing these stages, you will know what to expect for you and your partner moving forward.
Stage 1: Initial attraction
This is the first part of a dating relationship, and arguably the most important. The initial meeting can take place in different ways. Maybe you meet them over the internet, at a bar or social gathering, or they share mutual friends. At this point, the interactions are solely based off attraction. Maybe you are attracted to the way they look or the way they dress.
This stage is where you find out if it's worth the effort of getting to know the other person. Oftentimes, you may not be mentally attracted to people you are attracted to physically. If you think that you would be compatible, share contact information and arrange another meet-up.
At this stage, it's okay to go out with other people. Just because there's an initial spark doesn't necessarily mean that things are going to go any further. Keep your options open.
Stage 2: Casual dating or "just talking"
This stage of dating is where you're testing the waters to see if you're compatible. If a relationship has made it past the first stage, this is the make-or-break point. This stage of dating is about keeping things casual, having a good time and enjoying the other person's company. There is no expectation of further commitment from either side and is mostly talking through text and casual dates such as coffee or drinks.
While physical attraction is just as important as in the first stage of dating, emotional attraction becomes even more important. The bond deepens when you have a lot in common, your views of the world are the same and you share the same sense of humor or taste in music. However, if things don't work out at this point, and you have nothing in common, then there's nothing lost. Sure, it might be upsetting to end things, but there is no point in continuing to date someone you aren't compatible with.
This stage and the previous are the stages where ghosting is most common. Most of the time, ghosting does not carry malicious intent but is to avoid the awkwardness of ending things.
Stage 3: Getting serious
This stage of the relationship is where couples exhibit signs of commitment. You might find yourselves experimenting with the idea of keeping things exclusive. At this stage, emotional attachment forms and actions have emotional consequences. Both halves of a couple will see past the infatuation of a budding relationship and start to notice weaknesses or flaws in their partners.
This is commonly the stage of:
- "So what are we exactly?"
- "Where are we headed?"
- "Am I your girlfriend?"
This can be an awkward stage if one partner is more ready for commitment than the other. It's important that each person listens to their gut. A relationship where one partner constantly pushes someone who is not ready will be a problem in the future. Communication is key in this stage of a relationship. Committing to a relationship takes courage and an open mind.
Stage 4: Commitment
At this stage, couples are completely comfortable around each other and open with their feelings. Couples in this stage have a good understanding of their partner's values, lifestyle and goals. It's common to find yourselves opting to stay in instead of going out. You may envision your future together and feel as though you can trust your significant other with anything.
Not only do you recognize each other's flaws, but you are able to accept them or the efforts to correct them. Communication in this stage is more integral than ever before. Habits like showing appreciation for the things your partner does or setting aside time to talk is crucial to a healthy and long-lasting relationship.