
Get A Sneak Peek at my book “Your To-Die-For Life”!
Get a FREE sneak peek! Learn how to use Mortality Awareness as a wake up call to live more boldly.
Explore the phases of love in this guide on understanding the lifecycles of relationships. Plus get 15 love tips to help you to navigate these love cycles – so you enjoy a more fulfilling, longer lasting relationship.
Life is a series of ups and downs, ebbs and flows, pains and pleasures. It’s this ongoing cosmic roller coaster ride that adds depth and meaning to our existence.
And guess what’s also got a front-row seat on this ride?
Your relationship.
Yes, just like the ever-changing seasons, all relationships have their winter, spring, summer and fall phases – and if you’re lucky these phases go on repeat!
In fact, in a good relationship, you can find yourself hopping on an up and down merry-go-round multiple times – which I will be explaining more about in this article.
After I’m done explaining the life cycles of relationships, I will be sharing 15 research-based love tips – based on these cycles!
I’m writing this article because I am a bestselling relationship author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I am also the founder of the therapist recommended online course called “Secrets of Happy Couples.”
Basically, I’m a total research geek on love.
And so in this article I will be explaining “relationship cycles” – and sharing 15 love tips to help you thrive through this stages!
Let’s start from the very beginning.
Ah, the first act of the romantic saga – the Honeymoon Cycle Phase.
During this lovey-dovey Honeymoon Stage, your brain is essentially your own personal bartender, regularly serving you a cocktail of feel-good hormones.
Dr. Helen Fisher, an anthropologist and well-known human behavior researcher, pegs this stage as the “attraction phase.” It’s a heady period brimming with the “euphoria of novelty” and an all-consuming romantic fervor.
Dr. Fisher’s research even shows that the brain’s reward pathway lights up like a Christmas tree when people are in this phase, similar to the brain activity of cocaine addicts.
Quickie examples:
That’s the Honeymoon Phase in all its glory.
But unfortunately this phase is usually short-lived… and you find yourselves sliding into the next phase.
Just as the day surrenders to the night, the enchanting honeymoon phase inevitably gives way to a reality check.
Enter the Honeymoon Waning Lifecycle Phase.
During this phase, reality pulls back the curtain, unveiling not just the lovable… but also the not-so-charming sides of your partner.
In this relationship phase, the rose-colored glasses come off, and you’re suddenly watching your love story in stark 4K Ultra HD – every quirk and annoying habit on full display.
However this love phase isn’t necessarily the “death” of your relationship.
Psychologists like Dr. Susan Campbell suggest in this stage “authentic intimacy” blooms – and you begin to more deeply connect with your partner.
Basically, you made a decision to stick around, learning to embrace their unconventional habits.
That’s the core of the Honeymoon Waning Phase – a testament to love’s transformative power.
And if you’re lucky… you make it through to the next phase.
Next up: the Negotiation Phase.
Now, don’t let the term “negotiation” throw you off.
This isn’t some high-stakes business deal.
In relationships, “negotiation” refers to the ongoing process of navigating the individual differences and similarities that exist between you and your partner.
It’s about hammering out how you fit together as a duo… while still preserving your individual selves.
According to relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman, this conflict can serve as a potent tool for further deepening intimacy.
Just when you think you’ve weathered one particular storm, a new issue pops up – like an unskippable ad in the middle of your favorite YouTube video.
And so the relationship cycle continues… to the next phase…and the next… and the next.
The big point that I’m trying to impart in this article is this:
Relationships, much like life itself, are about cycles.
Tatkin suggests that successful couples are not those who avoid conflict or hardship. Instead they’re couples who use the up and down cycles of relationships to shed light on how each person can grow separately (as an individual) – and together (as a couple).
So, if you want a lasting relationship, you need to brace yourself for the bumpy journey of the relationship lifecycle.
With this in mind… here are 15 tips to help your relationship to survive these ever-changing times.
Contrary to the feel-good fluff sold to us, conflicts are not necessarily bad. In fact, they can be opportunities for growth.
Approach disputes with empathy, an open mind, and a willingness to understand your partner’s perspective.
Solutions are born out of understanding, not resistance.
An essential element of any successful relationship is the ability to compromise.
Dr. Jane Greer, a relationship expert, emphasizes the need for a balanced middle ground… that considers both you and your partner’s needs and desires.
Which brings me again to more advice from Dr. John Gottman.
So, during disagreements, strive to understand your partner’s viewpoint. Communicate your needs clearly and honestly, and work towards a solution that respects both parties’ needs. However, ensure the compromise doesn’t result in consistent sacrifice on your part, leading to resentment and imbalance.
According to psychologist Dr. John M. Gottman, understanding must precede advice.
This fosters deeper emotional connections.
The importance of communication can’t be overstated. Whether it’s a minor disagreement about dish duty or a major issue like intimacy, talk about it.
Research from the Greater Good Science Center suggests that gratitude is a key to positive relationships.
In fact, acknowledging the positive aspects of your relationship can foster mutual appreciation.
So try to make gratitude a regular practice. Express daily thankfulness – whether it’s for their kindness, their support, or even their attempt to cook dinner.
It’s not enough to just be around each other, like furniture in a room.
Spending quality time, engaging in shared activities, and creating memories together can help maintain satisfaction in relationships.
The most robust and resilient relationships are those that consist of two independently strong individuals.
Maintaining your hobbies, friendships, and passions not only preserves your individuality. They also bring fresh energy to your relationship.
So, set aside some time each week for your personal interests and self-care.
Boundaries are essential in any healthy relationship. They act as a guide for how we want to be treated by others.
Psychotherapist Dr. Dana Gionta’s research stresses the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries for overall well-being.
Time spent apart can actually help strengthen a relationship.
Esther Perel, renowned relationship therapist, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of self in relationships.
This can contribute to a more enriched relationship as you bring in new perspectives and experiences.
Humor has the power to diffuse tension, boost mood, and bring people closer together.
A study led by Jeffrey Hall, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas, affirmed that humor is a critical aspect of a successful relationship. So, try keep things light, and don’t forget to share in laughter. Whether it’s watching a comedy show together or sharing funny anecdotes, humor can be a secret ingredient to relationship success.
The way we respond to our partner during their tough times can make or break the relationship.
Psychologist Dr. John Gottman talks about “turning towards” our partners in their times of need as a way of fostering intimacy and trust.
Dr. Fred Luskin (from Stanford University), has conducted substantial research on forgiveness. He reports that “healthy forgiveness” in a relationships means you’re willing to release resentments and ditch the desire for revenge.
Plus Dr. Robert Enright, a psychologist and pioneer in the scientific study of forgiveness, offers some helpful insights on “healthy forgiveness.”
And this act alone can foster healing and pave the way for relationship growth.
So, make empathy your ally. Try to see the situation from your partner’s perspective. Remember, everyone is human and prone to mistakes.
When you find yourself stewing over past grievances, remind yourself of the benefits of forgiveness and shift your focus from blame to understanding.
Intimacy and affection are crucial for a lasting relationship.
Dr. Shirley Glass emphasizes the importance of maintaining a physical connection with your partner, no matter how long you’ve been together.
So, make an effort to show your partner physical affection every day, even if it’s just a kiss goodnight or a warm hug in the morning. Small moments of closeness can keep the spark alive.
When you’re dealing with a conflict, remind yourself that research tells us that relationships have phases.
So, don’t jump ship at the first sign of a squall (unless you see true proof that you’re aboard the “love equivalent” of the Titanic).
Keep in mind that there are relationship strategies to help you to weather many a storm.
A study in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy showed that couples’ therapy positively impacts 70% of couples receiving treatment.
If you want to maintain a relationship that survives the test of time – and the test of conflict – you must accept that relationships are a chaotic, constantly evolving journey. No relationship is perfect. And so during the ups and downs you must find a way to learn from each other – and do your best to grow and evolve.
This is why I created my 2 relationship courses.
>>> Learn about The Secrets to Happy Couples Online Course – here.
My above program is therapist recommended – and jampacked with lots of relationship research – and results proven insights and practices.
And if you’ve just broken up with your partner, explore my other therapist recommended online program…
>>> Learn about The Broken Heart Recovery Online Course – here.
P.S. Before you zip off to your next Internet pit stop, check out these 2 game changers below - that could dramatically upscale your life.
1. Check Out My Book On Enjoying A Well-Lived Life: It’s called "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." Think of it as your life’s manual to cranking up the volume on joy, meaning, and connection. Learn more here.
2. Life Review Therapy - What if you could get a clear picture of where you are versus where you want to be, and find out exactly why you’re not there yet? That’s what Life Review Therapy is all about.. If you’re serious about transforming your life, let’s talk. Book a FREE consult call here.
Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.
No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.