What Are the Stages of Dating? from Rav's blog

There are primarily five stages of dating, from attraction to engagement. The other stages include disappointment, commitment, and intimacy. When you start to date someone, you will pass through these five stages of dating, but not in all cases. This is true only if both sides are interested in a lifetime commitment.

Does it hold true for online dating?

Well, users of dating sites agree with this fact that every relationship passes through 5 main stages. It is no different for those trying out online dating.

·        Attraction and Romance

·        Disappointment or Reality

·        Commitment

·        Intimacy

·        Engagement

Some relationships do not progress until the last stage due to the lack of compatibility and commitment.

Attraction

It all begins with attraction. It may be due to the looks of the other person or their style. It’s at the beginning of the dating stage. This phase may last one to three months or more in some cases. This is the least unsustainable stage and people who prefer to change partners frequently often try to remain in the attraction stage.  Seeing only good in another person, spending a lot of time together, and no sight of conflict are the characteristics of attraction stage.

Reality

If both partners continue to be committed, they enter the reality stage, which may be quite different from the first stage. The phase often lasts six months. This is the stage when attraction gives way to reality. It’s a kind of eye-opener for both.

There is a high chance of the relationship ending in disdain as you start to see flaws in another person. You may often wonder whether you have made a mistake. However, while some relationships end at this dating stage, some may be willing to accept each other's flaws. That means, you can progress to the next stage.

Disappointment

If your relationship stands the test of the second stage, you enter the third dating stage. This stage could be even worse as disappointments set in. Small differences might look like a balloon. You might wonder if the other person is right for you. At times, you might be forced to think that the relationship is ending. You might decide to break up.

On the other hand, if partners understand each other and do not give up communication, the relationship may be given another chance to survive.

Stability

If your relationship survives the instability of stage three, it’s a lifetime opportunity to strengthen the bond. You enjoy this stage and allow the relationship time to develop and grow. When a relationship enters stability, it’s most likely to progress into commitment. That means you have been together for quite some time and understand each other better. You have realized how to work through the differences and still respect and love each other. While there is no longer the attraction fantasy, you are in real love now. Keeping the spark alive might reinforce the relationship further.

Commitment

The last on the list of dating stages, which are also relationship stages, commitment is all you need to be partners and forever in love. While not all couples make it this far, if you do, you can decide to tie the knot and be together forever. Now that you have chosen to be committed to each other, that means you have accepted their flaws, and their weaknesses do not bother you any longer.

It’s a sign you are in love and want to be committed and envision seeing both of you together forever.