The honeymoon phase refers to the first few years of a couple being together. Everything about you, your partner and your relationship together seems exciting, exhilarating and fresh.
This phase is usually caused by the overdrive of "love hormones" in your body such as adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. However, this honeymoon phase usually lasts for only two years of being together.
When the hormones normalize and things do not seem very fresh and exciting anymore, some couples think that their love is already dying. The truth is that this is the perfect opportunity for couples to show true and unconditional love for each other: a love that is not driven by chemicals and hormones in the body. VERILY shared some tips on how to keep the relationship strong after such honeymoon phase is over.
1. Prioritize friendship over the fantasy.
Do not make the mistake of focusing on the elaborated and superficial aspects of relationships. Focus more on nurturing the substantial aspects of your relationship more and often. Getting to know your partner better, being empathetic and thoughtful, having deep conversations with each other, giving compliments and being there for each other are more important things than extravagant gifts and romantic dates.
2. Find other sources of intimacy aside from sex.
During the honeymoon phase, couples are usually very sexually active. After the honeymoon phase, the sexual aspect of the relationship normalizes.
Couples should realize that sexual intercourse is not the most vital source of intimacy. "Be sure to invest in emotional and spiritual intimacy as well. This could manifest in many ways: couples therapy, praying together or weekly/daily conversation dates," the article advised.
3. Learn how to compromise.
During the honeymoon phase, most couples only see the similarities between the two of them and their differences are set aside. Once the serotonin levels drop, couples will see their differences much more clearly and clashes will definitely occur.
Instead of fighting over these differences, learn to accept and appreciate these qualities. Learn how to compromise and promote positive changes in each other by listening to your partner's needs and not just your own needs.
Couples should remember that love is not just an emotion. Love is the total commitment to each other and the endurance to continue working on how to keep the relationship strong after the honeymoon phase is over. "The only thing sweeter than being surprised and awed by the stunning newness of falling in love is being warmed and thankful for the unexpected strength of what comes next," Thought Catalog shared.
