We trace the traditional phases couples go through from blissful young bride and groom to pottering grandparents if they make it past the seven – year itch. Marriage involves many ups and downs, twists and turns. Many people fail to realize that there are predictable stages occurring throughout the life of the marriage. If you are aware of these stages it can help reduce stress and conflict during the tough times. If you get to understand that there are often predictable stages that all couples typically go through, you can navigate safely through and sometimes past the tough times. Here are 12 different stages of marriage:

Euphoria- #Stages of Marriage

What it is to be young and in love! The wedding is the best day of their lives. The bride looks radiant. The groom remembers his thank you speech. The champagne flows, and when they go on the honeymoon, they barely leave their bedroom for the entire fortnight. They go clubbing all night and they don’t have to think about picking someone up.

Exhaustion

There is tiredness, shattering. And then there’s being a mother. She has forgotten what a good night sleep is like. She’s breastfeeding till 3 am. Her husband may have the libido, but she cares more for the baby. Of course, the father loves his baby too but he craves for his wife’s attention too.

Co-operation stages of marriage

During this stage, the couple is often preoccupied with other things in life rather than each other. For example, they may have to deal with their children, work, household responsibilities, volunteering and other tasks. At this stage, couples mostly run the risk of becoming more like roommates or business partners rather than romantic lovers. It is important for the couple to make their marriage a priority, at this stage. A regular date night or by just setting aside time to enjoy one another’s company free from life’s distraction is helpful.

Reunion stages of marriage

The reunion stage is often during the empty nest phase of life. As soon as the children leave home, a couple gets time to devote to one another and their marriage.

Turbulence stages of marriage

The frustration level is off the chart during this stage of marriage. The couple tends to get stuck in a painful cycle of bickering. The couple may think of getting a separation or divorce. At this stage, it is common for one of the both partners to engage in activities like drinking alcohol, having an affair or some destructive activity. Rather than focusing on improving their relationship skills, the focus is o what is wrong with their marriage. Rather than re-connecting the couple looks for the escape. This stage can be avoided if the couple tends to be proactive and they educate themselves on how to be successful in marriage.

Explosion stages of marriage

The explosion stage can happen at any point along the way. During this stage, a couple may experience major change or crisis such as health problem or unemployment.

Endurance stages of marriage

The three ingredients in any lasting marriage are kindness, forgiveness and a bloody-minded refusal to give up. Their jobs are going well, they buy a bigger house. The kids are growing up and they are not entirely horrible.

Entropy-

There are few more dangerous times in a marriage than the aftermath of a silver wedding. In theory, when the kids leave home leaving their fifty or sixty something parents still young enough to set off a fun-packed vacation. The truth, however, is very different.

Enlightenment-

This is a way we all hope it would be. After trials and tribulations in their marriage, they have reached the mellow sunset of their years.

Harmony stage-

Renewed passion and playfulness is seen at this stage.

Completion Stage-

The couple has ongoing stability and security at this stage.

The Fulfillment Stage-

The couple enjoys each other’s company and the life they have built together.

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