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