nanaimofilmfest.org
nanaimofilmfest.org
Successful marriages do not just happen, and at times, a marriage may seem like more effort than it's worth. However, understanding that most marriages follow certain stages can help you and your spouse stay positive and willing to stay the course till death do you part.
The honeymoon phase, which can typically last for one to three years, is characterized by intense passion and romance. You may feel as if you are the only two people in the world, which may cause you to ignore friends, family and others. When in this stage, you and your partner love one another's quirks and appreciate the differences you both have at times. It’s usually a time to adjust to each other’s way of thinking and to make compromises together.
As the honeymoon phase gives way to the realization stage, you may discover that those little quirks you loved about your spouse actually annoy you. You also start to discover (or realize) your spouse's strengths, weaknesses, and long-term goals which, for many, leads to disappointment. It is at this stage that individuals try to change their spouses and, when that fails, to begin to contemplate spending time apart from each other, even under the same roof.
During this stage, you and your spouse may feel as if you're on separate planets. You have a hard time communicating your grievances and so, instead of talking to one another, you bicker and nag. You're not happy, so you look for escape routes. It is not uncommon for couples to channel their frustrations in destructive ways, such as through alcohol or infidelity. At this point, you may be beyond just contemplating divorce and go so far as to consult with a divorce attorney to seek relief.