Many people say that there are a particular number of stages when dating, 5 to be precise. Below are those stages and a little description of each:
1. Attraction — for romance to blossom an attraction has to be made. The attraction stage is normally very new and exciting and lasts a few months. This is the period when you and your new partner find out more about each other.
2. Reality — This is the point you may start seeing flaws in your new partner. The honeymoon phase slowly disappears and reality sets in. You will both become more aware of each other. This is normally the harder stage as you may start to notice things that annoy you but, good news, if you get through this stage then good things will come your way!
3. Commitment — At this point, you express your desire to be with each other exclusively and have grown to accept and recognize the flaws that come with your new partner. This is also where you both start to understand and accept each other's dreams, goals, and desires for the future. You may start deciding where to live or plans for the future.
4. Intimacy — This does not just relate to physical intimacy, but connects beyond the superficial as well. This could be the first time you let your guard down and let yourself become vulnerable. Intimacy is also the time you find out more about your partner's deep past and deeper feelings for each other.
5. Engagement — This is the stage in which you stop dating and become more serious, the final declaration of blissful love is made and you enter into the exciting world of engagement.