The honeymoon phase is best described as a sugar rush full of love. New couples usually feel this at the beginning of a relationship. Both partners will feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they're together, making them unable to stay away from each other. This period is nature's way of strengthening the bond between couples. But the question is, does it last forever? Unfortunately, no. Eventually, this period will pass.
So, how long does the honeymoon phase last? The answer is, it depends. That said, you shouldn't worry about your relationship afterwards. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the end of the honeymoon phase.
How and Why Does the Honeymoon Phase End?
Like all good things in the world, the honeymoon phase sadly doesn't last forever. That sweet, intoxicating feeling may last anywhere from a month to a few years, but it won't stay that way forever.
But don't worry, just because it ends, that doesn't mean your relationship will meet the same fate! If you think it ends because your partner doesn't love you anymore, you're wrong. There are many reasons why the honeymoon phase ends. Here are some of the most common ones.
1. It's a natural thing
The honeymoon phase is one of the first stages of young love. It's induced by hormone surges through your body, including dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. This is like wearing rose-colored glasses.
But sooner or later, your hormones will start to become more stable. Why? Simply because our brains can't keep making these high levels of hormones all of the time. So, that's why it's natural for the honeymoon phase to end.
2. You both have matured
The sweet rush of young love is thrilling. But it's also hard for you and your partner to keep up to that pace forever. Reality soon breaks in and intrudes your rose-colored bliss.
Not all aspects of a relationship are fun and enjoyable. Sooner or later, you and your partner will realize this. While that may end the honeymoon phase, it can also create a new, more mature beginning for your relationship.
3. You've discovered a lot about your partner
Part of the appeal of the honeymoon phase is being able to discover many different aspects of your partner. After you've known all about them and become intimately acquainted with their body and mind, then you've likely grown to know them better. Afterwards, the honeymoon phase ends after all the mysteries have been uncovered.
4. You feel more comfortable around each other
Sometimes we put up a front during the honeymoon phase. Whether it's to look better for them or because we don't want to embarrass ourselves in front of them. But eventually, the mask will wear off.
Once the fairytale magic breaks and you become more comfortable with each other, you will move on from the honeymoon phase and enter a more mature and deeper stage in your relationship.
5. Excitement is replaced by intimacy
The honeymoon phase is characterized by the enthusiasm both partners feel. At one point, the excitement will start to wear off. But don't fret, that butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling is usually replaced by a more calm and relaxed intimacy. When you two have grown to be more intimate yet relaxed around each other, the excitement from the honeymoon period usually goes away eventually.
Signs Your Honeymoon Phase Is Over
"How long is the honeymoon phase going to last?" Sadly, as has been mentioned earlier, it will not last forever. But that's okay. As long as you recognize the end of it and maintain good communication with your partner afterwards, then your relationship will grow to be stronger and more intimate.
But how do you know if your honeymoon phase is over? Here are some signs to watch out for.
1. You don't feel the need to be with them all the time
During the sweet honeymoon period, you may feel like you just can't get enough of your partner; you simply want to be with them all the time. But after a while, you two will feel more comfortable giving each other space and time alone. As the rose-colored biss phase comes to an end, you'll get closer to your partner but not necessarily in the physical way. You'll feel that you can still love and care for them even when you're not with them 24/7.
2. You argue more
Arguments and disagreements are normal in a relationship. If you notice that you've been arguing more over little things with your partner, that might mean the honeymoon phase is over. Just remember that arguments are temporary. Keep your fights civil and everything should be fine.
3. You see each other's flaws more clearly
Love is blind during the honeymoon phase. When you're in a new budding romance, you're likely to overlook your partner's flaw. If you've started to notice their bad habits, then that's the sign that your relationship is entering the next stage. Just remember to make compromises and accept their flaws to keep your relationship stronger than ever.
4. You don't feel the need to impress them
Before, you might feel the need to be on your best behavior and wear your best outfit to impress your partner. Now, you feel more comfortable to let loose around them. A sign that your honeymoon phase is over is you've stopped feeling the need to impress them all the time.
5. You don't pretend the relationship is always peachy
Relationships aren't always picture-perfect. If you're starting to realize and admit that your relationship isn't always rainbows and butterflies, then your honeymoon phase is likely to be over.
6. You share more about your lives
At the start of a relationship, you may play the hard-to-get game or try to create a mysterious mask to keep them wanting more. Eventually, you'll no longer feel the need to do this. After the honeymoon phase is over, you'll feel like you can share more information about your life. The topics of your conversation will also become deeper and more serious.
7. You become more honest with each other
We all put a charade every time we enter a new relationship, whether intentionally or not. During the honeymoon phase, you're more likely to do this as you're still unsure if your partner will truly accept you. But if you feel like you can be more honest with them now, then that's a good sign that the period is over.
8. You feel like you can be more vulnerable around them
As mentioned earlier, we all pretend we're more likeable and stronger in a young relationship. Once you get more comfortable with each other, you'll feel like you can be more vulnerable around them. And yes, that includes crying and temper tantrums. This is a good sign that your honeymoon period is over.
9. You might get a bit bored
Life gets dull sometimes and that's okay! If you feel kind of bored of your partner, your relationship, or even your routine, then the honeymoon phase is likely long gone. It's normal to feel bored every once in a while, just remember to try and spice things up a little bit. We're sure your partner will appreciate it as well.
What Can You Do After the Honeymoon Phase Ends?
Want to know how to keep the passion alive after the honeymoon phase ends? These tips might be useful for you and your partner.
1. Expect things to be a little different
The first thing you'll need to do is to accept the change. After the honeymoon phase ends, some aspects of your relationship may be different. Remember, people change and grow. Embrace the change and be prepared for it.
2. Respect each other's space and time
After the honeymoon phase, you may feel bored by your relationship or your partner. To avoid conflicts and resentment from growing, give each other some space and time to adjust. Spending some time away from each other may even help you realize how much you still enjoy being together.
3. Plan dates every now and then
Don't forget to keep the magic alive! Planning nice dates can recapture the early magic of your relationship. So, dress up a bit and go out to have some fun! Whether it's just a simple picnic at the park or a trip to the beach, dates will rekindle the passion between you.
4. Communication is the key to a healthy relationship
You might encounter more disagreement and little fights after the honeymoon phase is over, and that's okay. Communication is the key to diffuse the situation. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner about what irks you and what you expect from them. Of course, you should also be a good listener and make some compromises with your partner as well.
5. Take up new hobbies together
Try doing something new together. Just make sure it's a fun activity that both of you will enjoy. Taking up a new hobby together can help break the monotonous routine of your relationship and strengthen your bond. Here are some ideas:
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Baking
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Dance class
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Rock-climbing
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Painting
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Bowling
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Gardening
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Biking
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Playing video games
6. Spice things up in the bedroom
Last but not least, liven up the bedroom. It comes as no surprise that the bedroom is one of the main sources of excitement in a relationship, so you should try to spice things up to rekindle the fire between you and your partner. It can be as simple as trying a new position, or if you're into it, try role-playing and discovering each other's preferences.
Takeaway Message
We hope this article has answered your question regarding how long does the honeymoon phase last. While it may not last forever, it's not the end of your relationship once it's over. It's just a sign that you two have matured in your partnership. Keep communicating with your partner and don't hesitate to show your love with small surprises every now and then.
Remember, the end of the honeymoon phase is actually when your real relationship begins. Keep showering each other with love and affection, then the bond between you and your partner will grow even stronger than ever. Best of luck!