STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

IN A

LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP
Buk and Arlene Weimer
IC05

 

Stage One:  The romance/honeymoon stage, falling in love when

                    we can see no wrong in the other person.

 

Stage Two:  The stage of disillusionment, when we see the im-

                     perfections and character flaws in our mate and it

                     results in misery (and the stage when most get

                     divorced) unless we do the work of love.  This is a

                     time for decision-making and a commitment to agree

                     on "our way". We build the "we" by asking "What is

                     the most loving thing I can do for another?"

 

Stage Three:  The stage of renewal - our love is redefined, is a

                       hybrid, stronger, and long lasting.  This is a time

                       of forgiveness, making needed changes, and

                       striving for unity.