The end of the honeymoon phase is not evidence of a failing relationship; rather, it is an opportunity to build something deeper. As actor Matthew McConaughey has noted, the period after being a "team player" and "best friends" can be even more rewarding than the initial rush. To help you this essay further: g., more academic, personal, or clinical)?

: A slightly more frequent variation suggesting a date every seven days, a weekend away every seven weeks, and a holiday every seven months.

: Couples find themselves constantly texting and wanting to spend every moment together.

As the initial high fades, the relationship moves into a more stable but often more challenging stage. Experts from the Gottman Institute note that while the honeymoon phase is the most talked about, it is not necessarily the most important. Real love is created through:

In the beginning, everything is new and exciting, from the first date to exploring each other’s lives. This phase, which typically lasts from a few weeks to a few years, often leads to:

: Choosing each other daily and maintaining the rituals that made you fall in love in the first place.

: Moving past the "performative" stage to show your true self, which can lead to deeper intimacy.

To keep the spark alive even after the initial phase settles, couples can implement intentional practices: