The Four Stages Of Dating

For those of you that have been through the dating scene for awhile you have probably realized at some point you move through stages. Although the time table varies from couple to couple, I have found that there are defining moments that take place in relationships. It's how you move through these stages as a couple that determines your lasting capability.

Stage 1: '1st- 5th dates' These first few dates are critical when it comes to building a foundation to grow. Everything is new and exciting with your new companion and you sometimes go through the "Oh my Gosh, I love that, too!" period. While showing the other person your best qualities and ambitions is very fun, make sure you take a few moments to really get to know if this relationship is worth pursuing or a waste of time.

Stage 2: '1 month- 1 year' By this point you should have developed some sort of comfort level where honesty and trust are being built. During this period you're probably meeting his/her family, meeting each others friends, and riding in the car in comfortable silence. Also, you will have started to share the deep thoughts and feelings about life and love, which will be a great way to build a foundation of trust.

Stage 3: '1 year- 3 years' Mastering this stage is critical to a successful relationship. During this stage you will be stealing food off the other's plate, finally meeting the crazy uncle you have been hiding them from, taking vacations, and thinking about or already moving in together. The future is a very big topic during this stage because by this point if your visions aren't headed in the same direction... hit the road. Spending a year with someone is more than enough time to figure out if they are someone you want to spend the next week with, let alone the rest of your life.

Stage 4: '3 years- on' Once you have entered the long awaited 4th stage you are in the money spot. By now you have so many inside jokes its hard to keep count. You are a pro at holiday family gatherings because you know exactly what her mom wants to hear or have memorized the stories his grandpa will tell again. Also, the 4th stage is the spot where you have experienced life lessons such as a death of a family member, a wedding, etc. These life lessons should be your guide as to whether you are meant to be together. If you lost a grandparent and your partner wasn't really there for you, is that what you want? If you got a promotion at work, did they get excited WITH you because they know you genuinely deserved it? These are situations you need to evaluate.