7 stages of marriage

Every marriage is unique, but most follow a similar path that flows through seven stages. Understanding the work required at each can give you a road map for handling rough times and help you and your spouse focus on how to be happy, secure and satisfied.

Stage 1: Passion.....The honeymoon phase,when romance and attraction lead to commitment.

Stage 2: Realisation.....Disappointment and conflict mark this unavoidable period. The challenge?..... Laying the groundwork for a long future together.

Stage 3: Rebellion.......Self-interest versus shared interests. Knowing the difference between a destructive desire to flee and a healthy need to be your true self is the key test.

Stage 4: Co-operation....... In time, marriage means managing money, building careers, bringing up kids. Going from lover to partner to parent can get rocky.

Stage 5: Reunion...Once the kids have left, then what? For happy couples, it's time to enjoy each other. But this can be hard. Passion's embers need stoking expectations need rejigging.

Stage 6: Explosion... Job loss, health woes, a parent's death- at midlife, such events can come in waves. Will your marriage be a source of solace or tested by new roles and fears?

Stage 7: Completion.....Marital bliss often soars after decades together because "knowing" each other now has a deeper meaning- and a bigger pay-off.

and i am wondering at what stage your marriage is in?

bye and good night

Dear Huma,

A very nice post and am enjoying Stage 4

Dear Huma,

a good one & I never thought it could be confined to 7 stages -
I think I'm experiencing stage 1 & stage 4 & stage 5 & ....
stage 1 - blame it on my hormones
stage 4 - perfect
stage 5 - that short breaks/holidays when we get to experience stage 1 again - hey, but without any rejigging - only waiting to explode.....
It's a combination of all at times, juggling between schools & hospitals & still romancing perfectly or just sharing mere love sometimes - it's tiring but surely worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW, Chithra, did you manage to find a KP at your place????? jsut curious

Dear Meena,
Lack confidence in me, Meena, my friend ?
It is all arranged pucca !
Just give me " the date" (?!)
Love,
Chithra.

Originally Posted by meenaprakash

BTW, Chithra, did you manage to find a KP at your place????? jsut curious

Hello,
I am in the stage 4 in my life. Going thru lot of compromise, caring, sacrificing.

Thanks,
Punitha

Dear Huma,

A very nice post and am enjoying Stage - 4
keep it up
take care

Jenny

Originally Posted by Huma

Every marriage is unique, but most follow a similar path that flows through seven stages. Understanding the work required at each can give you a road map for handling rough times and help you and your spouse focus on how to be happy, secure and satisfied.

Stage 1: Passion.....The honeymoon phase,when romance and attraction lead to commitment.

Stage 2: Realisation.....Disappointment and conflict mark this unavoidable period. The challenge?..... Laying the groundwork for a long future together.

Stage 3: Rebellion.......Self-interest versus shared interests. Knowing the difference between a destructive desire to flee and a healthy need to be your true self is the key test.

Stage 4: Co-operation....... In time, marriage means managing money, building careers, bringing up kids. Going from lover to partner to parent can get rocky.

Stage 5: Reunion...Once the kids have left, then what? For happy couples, it's time to enjoy each other. But this can be hard. Passion's embers need stoking expectations need rejigging.

Stage 6: Explosion... Job loss, health woes, a parent's death- at midlife, such events can come in waves. Will your marriage be a source of solace or tested by new roles and fears?

Stage 7: Completion.....Marital bliss often soars after decades together because "knowing" each other now has a deeper meaning- and a bigger pay-off.

and i am wondering at what stage your marriage is in?

bye and good night