Image: Shutterstock
A famous saying goes that ‘Marriages are made in heaven, but celebrated on Earth’. With such dreamy thoughts, most couples eagerly enter wedlock. However, marriage is definitely not a bed of roses, yet it is not as harsh it is made out to be. If you are at stage where you feel things falling apart in your married life, maybe a little friendly advice would help. Or, shall we say, an insight into 7 common stages of marriage will help you figure things better. Here goes:
1. Love Is In The Air
Image: Shutterstock
It is a state of being completely smitten with each other; of intense love-making and passion. During this time, a couple bonds physically and intimately. They’d want to live every wild fantasy they had dreamed of before marriage. Though they become comfortable physically than emotionally, this stage actually forms the foundation for a long-lasting relationship.
2. Reality Bites
Image: Shutterstock
Once the flames of love bites (pun intended) cool down, reality checks in. During stage 1, a couple are so deep into the idea of love and romance, that they tend to overlook each other’s shortcomings, or may accept every flaw that begins to show up, in the name of love. But once the passion subsides, every small quirk and whim of one begins to irritate the other. This gives rise to difference of opinions and leads to arguments.
3. The Chalk And Cheese Of It
Image: Shutterstock
What starts as differences in opinions, soon snowballs into major conflicts, with arguments and quarrels becoming the norm day by day. Everything that the couple did together earlier, like watching movies, eating together or sharing the bed, now becomes a painful exercise in futility. So much so that they long for the life of a bachelor/spinster. As difficult as it may sound, it is actually a stage which couples need to deal with enormous patience and strength. This is where the bond between them is tested the most. Here, the beautiful memories of stage 1 will help hold on to the love between them.
4. The Baby Steps Towards Understanding
Image: Shutterstock
All the arguments and differences of stage 3 actually leads couples to re-evaluate their relationship. They now begin to think from each other’s perspective which helps them connect emotionally. Their new sense of awareness makes them cooperate in regular household tasks, which is the first step towards understanding and responsibility. As they begin to take on more responsibilities, like building a home together, it’s only natural for them to make new additions to their family. With children in the family fold, their bond further strengthens.
5. Finding Love, Again!
Image: Shutterstock
As husband and wife raise their children together, their new-found love also grows. However, it is not the physical love like in stage 1, but one with a deeper sense of togetherness. This is where a couple finds complete happiness in each other’s company. Having survived the worst phase of their relationship and seeing their family grow gives them a sense of achievement.
6. The Mid-Life Crisis
Image: Shutterstock
Once a couple reaches their 50s, mid-life crisis is an eventuality. They face a new set of challenges like retirement, an aging body, and grown up children, who now have their own personal issues. However, having been through such a crisis before, they are now prepared to face anything. Their life experiences help them sort every problem, with understanding and togetherness.
7. The Sunset Years
Image: Shutterstock
This is the stage where the couple are no more two individuals but are common souls. Nothing perturbs them any more. All they wish to do is to cherish every moment with each other. Their relationship now imbibes every virtue like love, compassion, understanding and patience. They find immense peace in each other’s company and wish to walk together into the sunset.
Every relationship goes through a trying phase. However, instead of panic, a little patience, compassion and love for one another goes a long way in strengthening relationships.
