Encounter With We

According to our lovely retreat hosts (and numerous psychologoists I'm sure), there are 4 stages of the relationship cycle. They seem to be right on the money for Ryan & I.

1. Romance- also known as the butterflies, honeymoon stage, etc.
2. Disillusionment- commonly called arguing, fighthing, cursing, kicking, & screaming
3. Decision to Love- typically the turning point for better or worse, could lead to the 4th stage or break-up or limbo
4. True Joy- what I like to call peace or being on cloud nine




Encounter With We Worksheet


We have all experienced these 4 stages in our relationships. For Ryan & I, we passed the romance stage with flying colors. We were head-over-heels in love from the get-go (despite his efforts to play it cool ;) ) jet setting to Vegas & Kentucky, going on dates in Santa Barbara & San Diego, and talking on the phone for endless hours. But we stumbled upon the disillusionment phase and found ourselves in quite the predicament when it came time for Ryan's promotion. We were both fearful of the unknown and the distance between LA & SF. Nonetheless, we eventaully made that decision to love one another.We decided to put our fears aside and be conscious in how we treated one another. Ultimately bringing us to true joy, where we are now.

Relationships are work, very hard work. But you can't put a value on love. It's priceless. So I urge you to make the decision to love. It is the single, greatest reward one can receive.