How Does a Typical Relationship Start?
ERICA LOOP
LIFE
Whether you just met or you've had a crush for a while, typical relationships usually start out with a clap of chemistry and the rush of attraction. Understanding the route to a lasting relationship can help you to separate an initial infatuation from something that can take a turn toward becoming much more meaningful.
1 Start With a Spark
Whether you think that the object of your affection is super-cute, can't stop laughing at his witty jokes or are in awe of his intelligence, the lure of attraction is generally the first step to starting a relationship. The beginning of a romantic relationship may feel like infatuation or even make you anxious, according to therapist Debra Manchester MacMannis in an article for the PsychCentral website. This stage tends to be fairly superficial. You don't yet know the other person, but the attraction that you feel for him may make you want to learn more.
2 Tick Tock
Even though it will take months, or even years, to truly get to know the other person, people starting a new relationship with each other typically want to push this process by spending every second possible together. MacMannis states that feeling like you miss the other person when you aren't with her or like you need her constant companionship is common in the beginning of new romantic relationships.
3 Just Dating?
A long-term committed relationship requires a close bond and the promise to stay together, notes the TeensHealth website in the article "Love and Romance." In the beginning of a relationship, it's typical to explore the other person's personality, including his interests, likes and dislikes, to find out how compatible you really are. This type of casual dating comes before the commitment stage. Prior to pledging your love to the new guy in your life, it's likely that you'll start out with a get-to-know-you type of arrangement.
4 Close Ties
As you get to know your new partner better, you'll move into a closer type of relationship. During the beginning of a typical relationship, it's common to come to agreements and understandings when it comes to the basics of your partnership. Though conversations and effective communication, you'll learn if you are intellectually and emotionally compatible, according to communication coach Preston Ni in his article "7 Keys to Long-Term Relationship Success" on the Psychology Today website. If the two of you both feel that you have similar wants and needs, it's likely that you'll make your relationship official. This means that you'll make a verbal commitment to each other to become or remain exclusive.
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