5 Stages Of Love: Only The Best Couples Cross The 3rd Stage

#1 Love is a wonderful feeling that really makes life worth living.

#2 But falling in love doesn't just happen immediately.

It actually happens in stages, and can fall apart at any moment. Here are some of the stages a person goes through when they fall in love.

#3 The first step is that initial feeling of infatuation.

This is the early stage of a good relationship. Here, you likely feel that your partner can do no wrong. This is when you realize that you've found someone you are very much attracted to.

#4 The second stage is officially becoming a couple.

After a couple of dates, maybe you two realize that you both really like each other and choose to make it official. At this stage, you're still perhaps blinded to your partner's flaws (and they to yours).

#5 The third stage, however, is where things begin to fall apart for most people.

This is the stage when we begin to grapple with our partner's flaws. After dating for a month or two, you will see some sides of them you have to come to terms with.

#6 At this stage, many couples break up.

The initial infatuation is gone and now you're left with a real human, flaws and all. These flaws may be too much to deal with, so the relationship fizzles out.

#7 If you can make it to stage four, this is where true love begins to blossom.

If you've both accepted each other's flaws, you can now begin to really build a life together. It is here that many people begin thinking about marriage and starting a family.

#8 The fifth stage is to grow together.

You and your partner will change over time, no question about it. The goal is to change together in a way that fosters closeness and personal growth.

#9 If you can make it to the fifth stage, you have a solid relationship.

Obviously there are no guarantees for any relationship, but making it to the fifth stage is a good sign that you two will be together forever.

#10 If you're in a relationship, where are you and your partner in these stages?

Knowing where you are can help you plan for the future.