more on relationships...

in answer to your question lauri...

there are three stages of relationships, according to the imago training:

[1] romantic love-
this stage is attraction, infatuation
we see what we want to see
we don't feel pain
we can stay up all hours of the night and not be tired
we feel empowered
like a physical and emotional high (can feel like a drug)
attraction doesn't mean compatibility
it's supposed to end (typically last 9 months)

[2] the power struggle- (kicks in about 12 months)
conflict is growth trying to happen
the 'break up' or the 'break through'
developing trust
you respect differences and realize you both don't necesarily always think the same
when opinions are different
it's supposed to end

[3] reality love or the conscious marriage-
a decision, a commitment, intenional
healthy excitement and passion
don't have to defend yourself all the time
joy comes from supporting each other
based on intimacy
close your 'exits'
should add to your life, should not be too hard
it's not supposed to end