How To Prepare For The End Of The Honeymoon Phase Before You Start Dating
The first little while that you're dating someone new is practically bliss. You want to see each other all the time, you want to talk all the time when you're not together, you can't keep your hands off each other, and you feel like you're never going to run out of things to talk about. It feels like you're invincible and that nothing is ever going to keep you from being happy together.
This is what we call the honeymoon phase.
What Is The Honeymoon Phase?
The honeymoon phase is what we call the time when you start dating someone new and you feel all those amazing things. It's the period in your relationship when everything is new and fresh. You probably haven't had any real arguments yet, and you've forgotten a little bit about the outside world.
So, How Do I Know It Has Ended?
If you're lucky, the honeymoon phase will last a really long time. But eventually, it will end. So how do you know that it's over? One of the biggest indicators is that you've started to see your partner more as a human with flaws than someone who is perfect. You've probably had some arguments by now, and maybe a bit of that initial passion is gone.
Don't worry, though, it doesn't mean you should break up.
It Does Not Mean That Your Relationship Is Over
The end of the honeymoon phase was going to come eventually, but that's OK! It is the beginning of a new chapter for the two of you, and that's exciting. When the honeymoon phase ends, you are left with a more honest view of your partner and your relationship.
That doesn't mean you have to settle for a life of no excitement, though.
Embrace The Change
Change is a natural part of life, and relationships aren't immune to that. Embracing this slow change in your relationship is going to make it seem less like a loss and more like a new chapter. It means you and your partner are really getting to know each other, warts and all.
Share New Experiences
An obvious way to keep things exciting is to make sure that you still take time to try new things together. And it doesn't even have to be anything too crazy, either! It can be as simple as checking out a new restaurant you both want to try or taking a little weekend getaway somewhere neither of you has been.
Surprise One Another
Surprising each other doesn't have to be some big thing. Sometimes small and simple is best. Little surprises will go a long way, like leaving notes in each other's lunches or picking up something from the store that made you think of them.
Practice Some Gratitude
Now, I know it's hard not to roll your eyes when someone tells you to practice gratitude, but it's important! Taking some time to reflect on your relationship and be grateful for it will help keep things in perspective.
Give Yourselves Some Time Apart
It's important that you give yourself some time away from your partner. Making sure that you're still investing in yourself and your own life will mean that you'll have new things to share, and more importantly, it will keep you happy as an individual.
Do Something You Used To Do
One great way to recapture the magic of that honeymoon phase is to do something that you used to do during that exciting time. Rewatch a movie or TV show you bonded over, go back to the place you had your first date, or just spend time without checking your phones like I'm sure you used to.
Send Some Racy Texts
If you're comfortable with it, start sending some suggestive texts. It's a fun way to keep the spark alive and to make sure that you still both put an effort into flirting with each other.
Start Scheduling A Date Night
Pick one night a week and decide that that night is going to be date night. It doesn't mean that you have to leave the house necessarily, but it does mean that you're making a point to spend time with each other. This will be especially helpful if you live together because it's easy to get in the habit of just seeing each other around the house.
Start Making Goals Together
If you're feeling confident in your relationship and your partner, start making some real goals together about your future. What do you want both as individuals and as a couple? What can you do to get there?
Spend Some Time With Other Couples
Spending time with other couples is actually a great way to get out of the house and do things together without always doing things on your own. Plus it's a great way to get a good look at your relationship by noticing what you might observe about someone else's.
Say Good Morning And Good Night
It really is the little things that count the most! Making sure that you say goodnight and good morning to each other is a way of making sure that you're telling the other person they're on your mind and you love them.
Show Physical Affection
Make sure you're doing things that are physically affectionate. I don't just mean keeping things lively in the bedroom, but also giving each other hugs, sharing little kisses, holding hands, and cuddling.
Take Good Care Of Yourself
One of the best ways to make sure you're in a great relationship is to make sure that you have a great relationship with yourself. Your self-image actually affects your relationship more than you might think.
Understand Each Other's Love Languages
Love languages may seem cheesy, but they are certainly a thing. What does your partner need to feel cared about? What do you need to feel cared about? Is it quality time? Doing something for the other person? Little gifts?
Accept That You're Going To Get Annoyed
Knowing that everything isn't going to be perfect and you and your partner are going to get on each other's nerves is so important. It will actually make those moments of annoyance more bearable.
Sometimes It's OK To Embrace Boredom
Missing the honeymoon phase is normal because it was exciting. But keep in mind that there was a time when you wanted exactly what you have right now. Someone to just come home to and love.
Check In With Each Other Every Day
When life gets busy, as it does, and you might see each other a little less, make sure you still set time aside each day—even for just a few minutes—to check in with one another and see how you're doing.
