Stages

We fall in love every so often but up to what extent? How do we know that we are indeed in love? Is it that uneasy but nice feeling that we get whenever the other person is around… the butterfly feeling in the stomach… the tightening of the chest just by thinking of that person?

I learned something new today… and was actually enlightened by it… although we go through the process; we never really sit down and just think about it… What are the stages of a relationship? There are only 5.

Level 1 – Friendship

We meet a lot of people everyday. You start spending time together doing common things that interests you. The attraction comes and goes… caring and thoughtfulness starts to emerge… sharing happy unforgettable moments… a trust builds… and so does a friendship…

Level 2 – Friendship with the M.U.

The friendship that started not so long ago has moved up one level. You start to have that special feeling… that uneasy nice feeling… the butterfly in the stomach… the GOOD chest pain… you both show in small ways how you care for each other.. The caring and thoughtfulness now has more meaning… you start to share thoughts and wants in life. Although, this level may have several sub levels depending on how it will turn out… the mutual understanding has begun. Maintaining this level for a good amount of time, to be able to achieve that comfortable state with the other person, will build a great foundation for the next level.

Level 3 – The Relationship

With the mutual understanding and the comfortable state on hand, both parties agree to move up yet another level. What is a relationship? In my own words, it is actually a special bond between two people who have love connecting them together. It is a deeper stage of level 2, where you get that chance to get to know the other person more… developing that feeling of love that you both share.

Like level 2, this too has sub levels. A relationship does not consist of just the good moments. There will be bad, but these are the tests of this level. And it will be up to both parties on how they will be able to deal with it. There will be disappointments and frustrations in all aspects of the relationships… be it an attitude, a character trait, or a physical attribute, etc… Accepting all of these (not changing it), and still loving that person the same way, will lead to level 4.

Level 4 – The engagement

I would have to say that this level is the most special of all. After going through the sub levels of the 3rd, it is that day when both of you have agreed to spend the rest of your lives together. And it is the day that has marked the new chapter of your life. Both are now bonded by the love with the caring, the thoughtfulness, the understanding and the acceptance… ready to carry out that new purpose that HE has given…

Level 5 - Marriage

For formalities sake, a wedding takes place. I have always thought that this is THE day… a very unforgettable moment… every woman’s dream. We usually celebrate this day each year to mark that special day that bonded the two of you together for a lifetime. Although, all of these still hold true… I would have to agree that the day when level 3 started would have to be THE day. For the reason that it was that day when both of you have reached that level where you have decided to spend the rest of the days to come together. And it is only now that I have come to understand and realize the importance of that special day.

You now have a new life called Marriage. And no matter what difficulties or trials that may come your way, this is the level where you and your better half will work through it... overcoming it together… carrying out that purpose… Having gone through the previous four levels, it is this level where you continue on… still sharing that special love… living life to the fullest happily ever after... together.

I thank a special person for sharing this with me… I tried to put it in my own words… to my understanding… and I hope I was able to express it in the same way you did to me… maybe it will enlighten others…and maybe it will put that same smile on their faces the same way you did mine.