The Honeymoon Phase - How long does it last?
How do you know when your relationship has moved beyond the honeymoon phase? Learn about what happens to your brain chemistry during this time and why it's important for couples to work through their differences before they get married.
When two people fall in love, they may experience a period of intense excitement and attachment known as the "honeymoon phase." This stage typically lasts anywhere from six months to two years, but some studies suggest that it can continue for even longer than that. During this time, individuals often feel like they are on cloud nine and find themselves doing things like planning the future together or taking up new activities. But how long does this lasting feeling really last? And more importantly, why does it happen at all? The answer lies in dopamine and phenylethylamine—two chemicals released by the body during sex that play an important role in regulating mood and behavior. Here's what you need to know about them.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement, pleasure, motivation, and attention. It also plays a key role in the development of romantic relationships by increasing feelings of desire and reward. When levels of dopamine increase during sex, it makes us feel good and want more, which can lead to increased intimacy and bonding between partners. Phenylethylamine is another neurochemical involved in the honeymoon phase; it acts as a stimulant in the brain and is associated with feelings of euphoria and alertness. Together, these two chemicals create a powerful cocktail that keeps couples feeling happy and excited throughout their relationship.
But there's another reason why people feel so good during the honeymoon phase: oxytocin. Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the "love hormone" because it's responsible for creating feelings of attachment and trust between partners. When we're in love, our bodies release large amounts of oxytocin, making us feel closer and more connected than ever before. This hormone has even been shown to reduce stress levels and promote social bonding.
So how do you know when your relationship has moved beyond the honeymoon phase? The answer isn't always easy, but some signs include:
1) You start seeing each other less often or finding excuses not to spend time together
2) You stop talking about future plans
3) You argue more frequently than usual
4) Your partner seems less interested in pleasing you sexually
5) You begin comparing your partner unfavorably to others
If any of these things sound familiar, don't despair! It just means that your relationship is entering a new stage called "differentiation," where couples learn how to resolve conflict and accept each other's differences while still maintaining intimacy. With patience and communication, most couples are able to make it through this challenging time and emerge stronger on the other side.