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ENTITY explains the honeymoon phasePhoto via Instagram / @mcg____

You just started dating a new partner and they are the absolute bees knees. They can do no wrong. You’re totally obsessed with the cute way they flip their hair and how your favorite song is the same. See? You knew you were meant to be.

But you should also know that you’re most definitely in the honeymoon phase.

The honeymoon phase is fun because you’re gaining exciting experiences with a new partner. But it can also be pretty tough when it ends. Is it worth it?

ENTITY is here to explain what the honeymoon phase is, the science behind it and what to do when its over.

What is the definition of “Honeymoon Phase”?

ENTITY explains the honeymoon phase

The honeymoon phase occurs at the start of a romantic relationship.

Not only does everything seem perfect about your new love, you also pretty much agree on everything. At this phase, the sky is blue and the birds are singing. Fighting? What’s that? All you want to do is be around each other All. The. Time.

How long does the honeymoon phase last?

We’re going to tell you right now that all good things come to an end, especially the honeymoon phase. For most couples, this period of the relationship lasts about six months to a year.

During this time, couples learn about the best part of their partner’s personalities and fall in love with everything. Literally, everything. And you’re typically a big hit with family and friends who are just happy to see you happy.

Which means, during this period, you’re basically putting your best stiletto forward. We see you, girl.

What’s the psychology behind the honeymoon phase?

ENTITY explains the honeymoon phase

The ancient Greeks divide love into eight categories and two of these definitely explain what you’re feeling during the honeymoon phase of your relationship.

1 “Ludus” or Playful Love

Ludus is the type of love that is most commonly associated with the honeymoon phase. It’s young love. It’s characterized by feelings of intense excitement and happiness, and this stage encompasses all the flirting, teasing and carefree aspects of early love.

Like a child, ludus captivates a trustful innocence.

2 “Eros” or Erotic Love

The other aspect of the honeymoon phase is not so innocent, and that’s because it encompasses the lustful side of new love. The Ancient Greeks called this eros.

Eros is intense and passionate. It arouses not only romantic, but also sexual feelings. This actually explains the “falling” aspect of love during the honeymoon phase. Why? Because eros often makes partners submissive to their heightened feelings and draws them away from control and logic.

On top of that, eros also explains why you show your new lover solely your very best qualities. Eros is idealistic instead of practical. It feeds off this somewhat false sense of beauty and perfection.

So what happens after the honeymoon phase wears off?

As you deal with the effects of ludus and eros, you’re too distracted to prepare for the upcoming emotional changes. As time goes on, the excitement of the honeymoon phase will fade. At that point, you will have experienced many of the things that were once new to your relationship.

You know all the important people in each other’s lives. You’ve had plenty of exciting “firsts” together. And you’re starting to be more comfortable with one another.

As great as this sound, sometimes it brings out bad qualities. Things start getting serious and you have to decide whether you’re willing to accept their flaws or move on.

“Everlasting love” may sound too idealistic in today’s society, but the Ancient Greeks believed in it. They called it “pragma.” To them, relationships beyond the honeymoon phase are about maintenance and communication.

While it’s easy to perform large displays of affection for your partner in the beginning, it is important to still make them feel special after the honeymoon phase wears off. Getting comfortable with each other doesn’t mean you should stop putting effort into the relationship. After the honeymoon phase, you know your partner on a more intimate level. So, making the relationship exciting and fun should get easier. For example, you can tailor gifts and dates to their specific taste.

At this point in your relationship, communication is key. As the honeymoon phase fades, your love for your partner deepens. You probably won’t like everything about your partner or agree with everything they say, but talking through things and respecting each other can keep your relationship happy and stable.

And for those people who may think the honeymoon phase is a waste of time, it’s actually not. Science agrees.

ENTITY explains the honeymoon phase

It may seem easier to just be an open-book from the beginning. This way, you don’t have to deal with the stress of the honeymoon phase ending or the “shock” that your partner isn’t perfect.

But even if it seems more like a hassle than a reward, the honeymoon phase is actually pretty important for the development of your relationship. Science agrees, too.

University of Pavia study in Italy showed that nerve growth factors rise in the first six months of romantic love. NGF is responsible for the growth and survival of the brain’s neurons. But it also helps regulate the immune system, decrease stress and increases euphoria.

So basically, the honeymoon phase is a necessary part of building a good emotional foundation between you and your partner and it’s beneficial to your body.

ENTITY explains the honeymoon phase

If you’re still in the honeymoon phase, our advice is to enjoy it while it lasts. Don’t give up hope. If you put in the effort, your relationship will survive the honeymoon phase and take you on the road to long-term happiness.

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