How Long Does the Honeymoon Phase Last?

Dr. Kristie Overstreet contributes to the honeymoon phase and what to do when it ends.

Article by Carleigh Ferrante for The EveryGirl.

So, you’ve gone through all of the excitement of the honeymoon phase.

Those magical feelings have you on top of the world, but how long does this phase last?

Let’s look at the length of the phase

So if the length of the honeymoon phase varies, how do we make sure our relationships are on the longer side? “One of the many factors that affect the length [of the honeymoon phase] is how emotionally and mentally healthy each partner is,” explained Dr. Kristie Overstreet, a psychotherapist and host of the Fix Yourself First podcast. “If you are focusing on what you can do to be your healthiest self and working on your ability to communicate effectively with your partner, this phase can last longer.”

In case you needed another excuse to squeeze in some self-care, sometimes the length of the honeymoon phase has more to do with how you feel about yourself than about your partner. In other words, the healthier your relationship is with yourself, the healthier your relationship will be with your partner. Prioritize your own friendships, hobbies, and self-care, and work on effective communication to let your partner know your needs and work through disagreements without letting them become full-blown fights.

However, the end of the honeymoon phase is not something to dread, and it does not mean that your relationship is no longer exciting. In fact, it might just be something to celebrate. Think about it: You’ve made it through the phase driven by butterflies and physical attraction, and now you’re in the phase where you can truly build a strong friendship and partnership–butterflies aside. Read on for tips to help keep your relationship healthy and happy after the honeymoon phase has simmered down.

You don’t have to dread this phase ending in your relationship. Instead, welcome it. This is a time to realize who your partner really is. Enjoy your time together without having to impress one another. No one is perfect and neither is your partner. Embrace the imperfections.

When you truly get to know each other, you will realize that the end of this phase is really the start of a strong and healthy relationship. You will find that your partner is the lifelong friend you have been looking to find. Your trust and respect for each other will only continue to grow. Embrace the beginning of this new stage and realize it can even be better than the last.

Read the full article at The EveryGirl.