The Three Stages of Dating
Tasha has been dating Sam for 3 months, and it has been the best time in her life. They immediately felt connected; the chemistry was hot, and it was easy to see that he was a kind and considerate soul. She obsesses about him all day long, and they text all through the day.
Chris has been in a relationship with Kara for the past year. While the first six months were great, lately, it seems that things are beginning to slide. Their sex life has taken a downturn, it feels like they talk past each other at times, her moodiness is irritating him more, and she is complaining about the weekends he sometimes needs to work.
Just as marriages move through stages, so too do dating relationships. By mapping out the stages, you can know what to expect and anticipate the challenges ahead.
Stage 1: Oxytocin or Bust
This is where Tasha is at. At this stage of the relationship, chemistry, both emotional and physical, is at the forefront. The emotional side is finding that you have a lot in common, that your views of the world are the same, that you share a sense of humor or like the same music. You are also finding in each other what you most need – someone who listens or someone who seems decisive; someone who is gentle or someone who is strong and confident.
And the physical chemistry is about…well, literally chemistry; in this case, oxytocin that fuels the sexual attraction and attractiveness, the obsessing about the other, the feelings of falling in love. Affection is easy; sex, if you go there, is great. What’s not to like?
