The 5 Stages of Dating Relationships

People are drawn to Internet dating for all sorts of reasons. Some are looking for casual encounters, with no real intention of embarking on anything long-term. Others are hoping to make a real connection with someone; perhaps a potential soulmate. For those who approach free singles sites and do actually become involved in a relationship rather than a fling, the experiences will vary considerably. But it is possible to outline five stages of dating relationships which are common.

Initial attraction

The moment which kickstarts any relationship is when two parties notice each other amongst the crowds. In the offline world, this could occur anywhere, from two computers catching each other’s eye across a crowded train compartment, to strangers meeting on the dancefloor. In the online environment, these encounters can be even more random as people look through any number of possible partners appearing in their web browser, swiping in a certain direction when their patience expires, until the moment when they notice somebody who really catches their eye. Psychologists state people coming across a potential partner can make decisions about how attracted they are in nanoseconds, with their brain releasing hormones. But from these seemingly transient moments, many a passionate relationship has developed.

Familiarity

The next relationship stage is one where those initial moments of chemical attraction lead to a period of consolidation. In online dating, this will be when one party – who might be contacting any number of available singles at the same time – keeps returning to message one person in particular. In the offline world, those early moments of connectivity might lead to a request to go out on a date. Or two. At this stage there is every likelihood the people involved will be keeping one eye on alternatives, just in case this get-together fizzles out as similar ventures have in the past.

Becoming exclusive

The next stage is a crucial one in terms of cementing the relationship. This is when the Internet dater stops browsing through the personals and bookmarks one entry. The offline single reaches the decision they will only be dating this new partner from now on, and any other names in their little black book will be ignored. This moment of realization will provoke all manner of physical reactions, such as the cliched but nevertheless tangible ‘butterflies in the gut’ which occur as the two parties realize they could be onto something poignant and meaningful, and this individual could turn out to be someone important in their lives.

Getting intimate

While the stage of physical contact can certainly happen prior to the ‘becoming exclusive stage,’ when it does occur as the fourth act of this sequence, there can be no denying how intense the feelings which are released can be. Once you have decided to commit yourself to one person in particular, to then experience moments of extreme passion will really light up your life. Friends may well notice the drastic shift in your mood, as your face seems to be permanently lit up by a contented smile, and you can’t help but think positive thoughts. When these emotions become prolonged as your relationship goes from strength to strength, you might even begin dwelling on the ‘L word.’ It’s difficult to quantify if the moment will arise when you think you’ve fallen in love, but when it does happen there’ll be no denying it.

Ultimate commitment

Finally, once your relationship has endured for a while – and this could be weeks, months or even years, as everyone is different – the time will come when you reach the mutual decision to make your situation more formal, either through moving in together, becoming engaged or considering starting a family.