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7 Ways to Peacefully End a Toxic Relationship

Ending a toxic relationship is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but is there a way to peacefully end it that won’t leave you feeling emotionally drained and negative? If you and your partner are in a battle to the end, it isn’t likely to be a happy ending, but leaving with your dignity intact and feeling positive about the future is about the best you can hope to achieve.

You are worthy of love and if you aren’t getting that from your partner, you should seek it elsewhere. Read our 7 ways to peacefully end a toxic relationship below and apply some of this advice to get out of a miserable, toxic, loveless partnership.

7 Ways to Peacefully End a Toxic Relationship

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1. Accept responsibility for your part

You probably don’t want to hear this, but you are not blameless when it comes to being in a toxic relationship. This might mean that you should have spoken up when things were just a little annoying, but before they became emotionally draining. No matter, your partner is not the only person in the partnership so you play a part, and you are accountable for that role. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you won’t allow yourself to be treated badly in a toxic relationship ever again, because you are worth more.

2. Surround yourself with positive social support

Your social support system will be very important to you now as you seek to peacefully exit your toxic relationship. Bounce concerns off of your friends and ask for their input. You will probably be surprised by how helpful people can be when they know that their friend is suffering.

3. Be objective about the relationship

Try to look at the relationship as if you were setting each person up on a date for the first time. What do the two of them have in common? How about their differences? If you met your partner today, would you be attracted to them? Would you even be friends? These objective, outside observations will help you to gain perspective on your toxic relationship.

4. Identify and express your emotional states

Anxiety, stress, feeling worthless, hopelessness; all of these are negative emotions that you need to be able to recognize in yourself. When something doesn’t feel right, put a name to it. Say “I feel depressed when ___ happens” or “I am angry about _____.”

Being able to name your negative emotions is a good start to knowing that there are too many of them and that you want them to be positive emotions like joy instead. To peacefully end a toxic relationship, tell your partner that you feel __ and you want to feel happy instead.

Researchers looked at adolescent relationships and depression and found that keeping silent about feelings was a cause of depression for many teens. The research done by Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee say that teens limit ‘self- expression in order to avoid conflict or possible dissolution of an intimate relationship, (e.g., ‘I don’t speak my feelings in an intimate relationship when I know they will cause disagreement.’ ‘I rarely express my anger at those close to me.’ ‘I think it’s better to keep my feelings to myself when they conflict with my partner’s.’ Avoiding expression of emotions is repression, which leads to resentment about not being understood by your partner and feelings of hopelessness that things will never improve. Speak up.

5. Find what you are lacking that is keeping you from leaving

There’s a reason that you are staying in a toxic relationship. It could be simply a matter of having housing, but something is making you stay with your partner. Once you know what it is that is keeping you there, ask yourself, “If ____ wasn’t an issue and I had that on my own, would I still choose to stay?” If the answer is no, it’s time to find a way to get what you are missing so you can move on.

6. Find a lesson in the distress

Leaving a toxic relationship rarely creates positive emotions. While you are in the midst of emotional distress, think about the relationship as a lesson for future relationships. One of the best ways to peacefully end a toxic relationship is to find a way to walk away having grown as a person and learned something about yourself.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota looked at people who were experiencing a breakup and their reported levels of personal growth after the end of a toxic relationship. The research participants who had the most personal growth were people who were rated highest in agreeableness. People who are agreeable tend to be kind, warm, and cooperative and, they seek out social relationship support after a breakup.

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7. Forgive your ex completely

Harboring feelings of anger, hurt, regret, or resentment will only hurt your own mental and psychological well-being. In order to help yourself heal completely, you will have to let go of the negative emotions that will otherwise hold you back. This can be a difficult choice to make because you may feel justified in feeling the way you do, however, your emotional state is a choice.

9 Things You Need To Know If You Love A Virgo

Yes, you can consider yourself a lucky person indeed if you love a Virgo, but there are at least 9 things you need to know about if you plan to keep them a happy partner in your relationship.

Let’s explore the unique traits of a Virgo partner and your role in making them a very happy earth sign.

9 Things You Need To Know About If You Love A Virgo

If your partner was born between August 22 and September 22, they were born under the astrological sign of Virgo. This sign that may require extra special care in a relationship because they can tend to be emotional. But it is also one of the most memorable partners you will ever get to experience. Here are the 9 things you need to do if you love a Virgo.

1. Be patient about their rants

A Virgo can be very passionate about many things, both good and bad, and as the lucky person who loves a Virgo, you get to be the ear for all of their excitement, frustration, and grief. This sign is ruled by the planet Mercury, and the winged messenger of the Gods is quick to spirit away Virgo’s messages of unhappiness so they will quickly change back to a smiling state. In the meantime, listen patiently if you love your Virgo partner.

2. Be respectful of the unique traits of Virgo

The same research team also found that ‘Awareness of one’s own and one’s spouses’ sun sign will significantly interact with astrological compatibility to predict marital satisfaction such that those who report awareness of both signs will be most strongly influenced by astrological compatibility.’ So, knowledge of your own astrology plus that of Virgo’s is helpful for relationship health, and that is going to be good for both you and the Virgo that you love.

3. Learn to love being organized

If you are not a neat freak, find something that you can enjoy organizing so that your Virgo can see you are making an effort. Of course, you’re probably doing it wrong and the Virgo that you love will just have to come and do it over again, but even that will give them great pleasure.

4. One wrong word can kill a Virgo

As a very sensitive sign, you must watch every word out of your mouth if you love a Virgo. He of she picks up on your subtle body language and knows you are upset before you have had a chance to even recognize your own emotional state. Virgo has a good memory too and they will remember the words that you say in anger and bring them up six years later when you hurt them again. Best to avoid that in the first place by watching your sharp tongue.

5. Try to be a little more like Virgo

If you love a Virgo, it might be best for both of you if you can see your way to being just a little more Virgo-like for the harmony of your relationship. Researchers at Northern Illinois University tested astrological compatibility as it relates to marital satisfaction. The research showed that couples were more satisfied in astrologically compatible relationships than in those with lower astrological compatibility.

6. Never try to cheat on a Virgo

If your relationship carries the expectation of monogamy, you need to stick to that or get out of the relationship because this sign is an excellent deception detector. This is because Virgo is highly sensitive to their partner’s every movement, tone, habits, patterns and changes.

Research on how horoscopes affect women’s relationships conducted by the University of West England says that there was very little effect on horoscopes affecting the relationship decisions that women make. However, the same research also found that 85% of the women surveyed think that the description of their sun sign accurately reflect their personality. This means that 85% of Virgo women believe themselves to be highly sensitive to cues by their partner. You can’t get away with anything, even if you try.

7. Virgo has a healthy sensual appetite

The sign of Virgo may be depicted by the virgin holding corn, but he/she is definitely more experienced in the art of making love. He or she loves sensual things and has a sensitive manner. Make the love environment pleasing to the eye, ear, and nose in order to arouse your lover.

Related article: How Do You Show Anger According To Your Zodiac Sign?

8. Virgo doesn’t do anything halfway

As the perfectionist of the zodiac, your lover is more likely to spend a good deal of time finishing things rather than leaving anything undone. If you love a Virgo, you may need to use your skills in patience because otherwise, you may get frustrated by the amount of time that they spend on making the bed, folding laundry, or anything else that they do.

Related article: How Does The Moon Affect Your Zodiac Sign?

9. Virgos need alone time

Virgo is sort of the introvert of the zodiac, except when it comes to you, their partner. But if you love a Virgo, be sure to respect their need for alone time. Some of this time may be spent doing methodical things, but some may be spent reading or on hobbies that you don’t share in.

4 Ways To Reprogram Negative Subconscious Thoughts

You might be aware of your conscious thoughts throughout the day. But while your subconscious mind is running the show behind the scenes, you can help reprogram thoughts to work for you both while you sleep and while you’re awake.

4 Ways To Reprogram Your Subconscious Thoughts

Stress can take a toll on our mental processes and our ability to think clearly. As a result, productivity at work, our mood, and our behavior can be affected by stressful and negative thoughts. For example, if you feel stressed out, your thoughts might race about the event. Moreover, you may neglect healthy self-care as a result and eat junk food.

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Being aware of negative thoughts that are in your conscious mind can help you to control your behavior so that it will not negatively impact your health.

1. Change your reaction or response to stress

When something stressful occurs, like a traffic jam, our reaction to the stressful event is often the cause of the problem. For example, we can say ‘This is going to make me late for work. ‘

But the traffic jam is still something that is out of our control. All we do is focus on the negative, thus we feel even more angry. Instead, we could say ‘At least I have a little time to myself before work.’

By changing our response we are able to change how ‘the interactive influence of environmental demands and personal characteristics on the initial reaction to stressors and how this reaction affects thoughts, feelings, and action.’ This finding comes from a research study by the Department of Psychology at Saint Louis University where self-management training was used as a technique for people in the workplace to manage stress.

2. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

NLP uses the power of the language that we use with ourselves to reprogram subconscious thoughts. For example, if you ask yourself ‘Why do I feel so angry?’ your thoughts are focused on the anger or the negative emotion, rather than what you do want, which is the opposite.

NLP also helps people to set positive goals that are focused on what they do want, not what they don’t want. Other techniques from NLP include imagining someone bothering you as a photograph in black and white and picturing the photo moving away from you and appearing smaller. Other NLP techniques include hearing your critical inner voice in a humorous cartoon voice instead. For example, if you tell yourself ‘That was stupid,’ imagine Shaggy from the TV cartoon Scooby-Doo saying it next time instead.

NLP may help reduce symptoms of clinical anxiety, depression, phobias, and other troubling psychological problems. A joint Croatian and Austrian study on patients coming to therapy for various psychological problems found that neuro-linguistic programming therapy was able to significantly help reduce clinical symptoms and increase the quality of life.

3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Traumatic events can leave people with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Even small traumas like seeing a car accident happen near you. But not being involved in it can affect your mind in negative ways. You may notice more irrational fears than usual, for example, being afraid of driving when you have no reason to be concerned. Depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behavior, anxiety, and trauma are all psychological problems that can be helped by EMDR. You can find a trained EMDR clinician through this link.

In EMDR therapy, patients watch a screen where lights move around and they track the lights with their eyes while trying to remember the past events that bothered them. The treatment is a way for patients to bring up their negative emotions about the past. Furthermore, distracting them with something that makes it difficult to focus on the negative thoughts. The combination of these things, trying to remember and trying to pay attention to what is on the screen are hard for the brain to reconcile. What happens is that the negative thoughts lose to the pattern of eye movement.

You can try this therapy at home by looking up links for EMDR on YouTube. This self-therapy to reprogram your subconscious is not for those who have undergone intense trauma because the memories could disturb them. Instead, find a therapist who works in EMDR who can teach you how to manage negative memories.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychcentral.com says ‘CBT works by changing people’s attitudes and their behavior by focusing on the thoughts, images, beliefs, and attitudes that are held (a person’s cognitive processes) and how these processes relate to the way a person behaves, as a way of dealing with emotional problems.’

Related article: 8 Signs of Stress Sickness

To use the technique of CBT to reprogram your subconscious thoughts, first, we have to identify negative thoughts, like ‘I am worthless.’ Second, you question the thought by saying ‘Why would I think that about myself?’ ‘Who told me to think that way?’ Third, we replace the negative pattern of thoughts with positive ones like ‘I am very capable. Everyone makes mistakes, but I have learned from mine and I know that I can do this.’

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

What Kind of Element Are You, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

As you might already know, all 12 zodiac signs have been categorized based on 4 elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Every zodiac sign possesses unique traits and characteristics, depending on which element it falls under. However, signs of the same element, such as fire, for example, usually have a lot of traits in common. Fire signs tend to have a passion and zest about them that others find invigorating and attractive, for example. All four elements need to exist for the world to have balance, because without one, the Earth’s alignment and energy would become weakened.

If you look at these elements as vital to our existence, you can relate much more deeply with your sign’s element. No matter which element you represent, you make up a very necessary part of the universe. We need water for emotional comfort and stability, as well as to carry us gently through life’s currents. We also need it for survival, as water makes up a great portion of our cells. We need fire to stay warm, and to give us sight in the dead of night. We need air to breathe, and to carry us to our next destination. We need the Earth, of course, to live on, to connect with, and to nurture us.

With all of this in mind, the element that represents your zodiac sign likely portrays key parts of your personality.

Today, we’ll go over the four elements, how each sign represents them, and what this means for you.

What Kind of Element Are You, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

The Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Fire signs have a passionate, feisty, bold attitude. They don’t hold back, and don’t let anything stand in their way. They can become defiant at times, but they just want to follow their heart. This go-getter attitude takes them far in life, as long as they can hone in their emotions so they don’t trample on others.

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Aries love making new friends of all walks of life. They have a good soul, despite how they might seem on the surface. If you don’t get to know them, you might think of them as self-centered, obnoxious, and attention-seeking. However, once you talk to them, you’ll see their true, charming, friendly nature. They have an enthusiasm for life that just attracts others to them. They do pack quite a punch, so if you make friends with an Aries, get prepared for lots of laughs and plenty of fun adventures. Oh, and maybe a heated argument or two.

Leo (July 23 -August 21)

The Lion loves to take the spotlight whenever he or she can, and have a great deal of confidence. They might seem a little egotistical, but their fierce, bold nature simply requires them to speak their truth and not hold back. You can count on a Leo for anything, and they will step up into the leadership role if no one else does. They will also make you laugh with their goofy, charming personality.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22)

Sagittarius can get angry pretty easily, and tend to go off on their own after a heated argument. Other than that, however, they have plenty of great qualities. They love adventures, so get ready to travel far and wide with a Sagittarius. They also love deep conversations and questioning things in life. Sagittarius have a creative, contemplative personality once you get to know them, despite being outgoing and seemingly simple on the outside. They have an interest in all the questions that don’t have answers, and never stop exploring.

The Water Signs: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio

Water gives us life, but plenty of mysteries lie beneath its murky depths. Like water, people born under this element have a lot going on beneath the surface. It might look calm at first glance, but jump into the unknown, and you’ll see just how much water signs go through. Sensitive, caring, and empathetic by nature, water signs usually identify as empaths. They simply feel so much energy from everywhere that they often can’t handle it.

They like their alone time to recharge and heal, and might seem a bit mysterious and stand-offish from a first impression. They carry their emotions deep within their bones, and only their closest friends and loved ones get to see the “real” them. They use their intuition to guide them through life.

Pisces (February 20- March 20)

Pisces have a multi-faceted personality. They seem goofy and a bit shy on the surface, but anger them, and you will never hear the end of it. On one hand, they love socializing, but they need plenty of solitude to recharge. They resonate with arts, video games, and anything creative and imaginative.

They adapt easily to their environment, and make wonderful friends that will never leave your side. Mysterious by nature, they open up to you if they feel comfortable in your company.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Cancers definitely know how to be there for their friends and family. They put their loved ones first, and will literally go to the ends of the Earth for them. Arguably the most caring, nurturing sign in the zodiac, Cancers are deeply intuitive and emotional. They are so complicated that sometimes, they don’t even understand themselves. Sadly, they often feel lost and overwhelmed as they try to find their place in the world.

They have very intense emotions that, just like water, ebb and flow with the moon’s cycle. They are very in tune with nature, and spend most of their time here in solitude. They have a volatile temper, but don’t show it unless they feel comfortable with you. They are inspirational, motivated people, however, and follow their own path in life despite any obstacles. They resonate with creative endeavors, exploring, and anything dealing with natural living.

They can be crabby, but it won’t last long. They are one of the most complicated signs of the zodiac, so try to figure them out if you dare.

Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)

Scorpios are also kind of confusing, but loving and passionate nonetheless. They appear mysterious and aloof at first, but will open up in time. Cross a Scorpio, though, and you can expect them to plot revenge.

Scorpios can be indulgent and out of control at times, but they like to live life on the wild side. They also don’t show emotions easily, and tend to bottle them up inside. Scorpios hold their friends and family close, and will go to great lengths to protect them.

The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Earth signs are easily the most stable, reliable, and (you guessed it) down-to-earth people you will come across. You need an answer, they’ve got one. You have a problem, they’ll solve it. You can count on them for anything, and they won’t let you down. They are quick-minded, witty, and a tad sarcastic, but lovable all the same. They do come across as cold and unfeeling, but that’s just because they use logic much more than emotions to connect with people.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

While the bull is stubborn, it’s also strong, reliable, and brave. Taurus have a strong work ethic, and will not stop until they reach their goal. They have great aspirations in life, and will work very hard to get where they want to be. They don’t show emotions easily, but make great listeners for those who need help. They are great friends, and love to go on adventures. However, don’t try to change their mind. This bull doesn’t budge easily.

Virgo (August 22 – September 23)

Virgos also have a logical, practical approach to life. They have a methodical way of doing things, and greatly dislike disorder. Virgos also tend to overthink everything, however, and take a long time to make a decision. However, their observant, pragmatic nature allows them to take time in making choices, and not to rush anything. They enjoy quiet activities, and while sweet and charming, they don’t always make friends easily. If you want to befriend a Virgo, you might just have to make the first move.

Capricorn (December 23 – January 20)

Capricorns, like Taurus, are workaholics. They identify greatly with their occupation, and work extremely hard to maintain their status at the job. They care a lot about self-image and don’t want anyone to see them in a less-than-perfect state. They are conservative, independent, and stubborn, but make loyal friends and partners. They love to inspire and help those around them, and will solve any problem quickly. They make wonderful leaders, even if they seem a bit harsh at times.

The Air Signs: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra

Air signs tend to be flighty and fickle, like their element would suggest. One moment, they feel directed to the north, and the next second, something calls them the other way. Air signs literally let the wind carry them where it feels they should go, and have a laid-back attitude about life. Air signs may seem a bit shallow and empty-headed on the surface, but once you get to know them, you’ll uncover more of their hidden layers. However, they don’t like to dwell on emotions and sentimental aspects of life too much. They live in the moment, soaking up as much fun and adventure as they can.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 19)

Aquarius love an intelligent conversation with someone who can teach them something, above all else. They love travel, exquisite dinners, and the finer things in life. However, they don’t like to show off, either. They like to live within their means, and will do whatever it takes to follow their dreams. Aquarius have a simple, positive, nonchalant attitude about life, and take the opportunities that come their way. They don’t spend too much time tangled in their own thoughts; they’d rather remain present in the moment and look at all the beauty around them. They are humanitarians by nature, and wish to make a positive impact on the world.

They are a bit unpredictable, but this makes them fun to be around.

Related article: How Does the Moon Affect Your Zodiac Sign?

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Geminis can seem complicated, and some believe that only another Gemini can truly get them. Known as The Twins, they literally have a split personality that even they can’t decode at times. One minute, they seem friendly and loving, and the next, independent and reckless. They have a hard time knowing what they want in life, and can easily become overwhelmed by their ever-changing nature. They think of life positively, and don’t like to hang around those who bring them down. They can talk your head off, but they also like alone time to express their creativity.

They are open-minded, curious, and ultimately, fun people to hang around. However, they can be a bit hard to get to know, so it may take a while with them.

Libra (September 24 – October 23)

Libras, above all else, need balance and justice. They are constantly walking a tightrope, trying to keep their emotional, mental, and physical health in line. They also can’t stand to see all the injustice in the world, and feel a personal responsibility to fix all the issues we have. Libras need peace, understanding, and deep conversations in both friendships and romantic relationships.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

India Sets A New World Record For Planting The Most Trees In A Single Day

Last month, 800,000 volunteers gathered in an attempt to plant 50 million trees in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and they succeeded. While this environmentally friendly endeavor has yet to be assessed by the Guinness World Records, Indian officials have reported that the volunteers planted a staggering 49.3 million saplings in under 24 hours.

This greatly surpasses the previous record of 847,275 trees set by Pakistan in 2013.

India Plants 50 MILLION Trees In One Day, Sets New World Record

800,000 volunteers from Uttar Pradesh toiled for 24 hours to plant 80 different tree species along roads, railways, and on public land. The saplings came from local nurseries.

Aiming to battle increasing deforestation, the Indian government allotted $6.2 billion for tree-planting, which goes along with previous agreements made at the Paris climate change summit in 2015.

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav told volunteers a difficult but necessary truth: “The world has realised that serious efforts are needed to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of global climate change. Uttar Pradesh has made a beginning in this regard.”

India made a commitment to plant more trees at the Paris Climate Conference in December 2015. It formally signed this agreement on Earth Day 2016, agreeing to spend $6 billion to increase forestation on 12% of its land, which would total 235 million acres by 2030, or 29% of the country’s land.

Trees have many benefits to us, namely, providing us with oxygen so that we can breathe. However, trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which decreases the greenhouse gasses present in the atmosphere. Sadly, India continues to see deforestation as corporations and farmers tear down the trees for development and pasturing. They’ve taken heed from the environment, however, and decided to do something now about the ever-increasing deforestation throughout the country.

Other countries around the globe seem to be following suit. In December, for example, African nations pledged to reforest 100 million hectares. Even more promising and uplifting, many stakeholders from different companies around the globe signed the New York Declaration of Forests that month, which aims to cut deforestation in half by 2020 and eliminate it altogether by 2030. Furthermore, the declaration calls for reforesting at least 350 million hectares with healthy forests.

As far as the trees in India go, however, they will need a lot of water and upkeep in order to survive. Saplings have mortality rates as high as 40 percent after such a massive undertaking in tree planting. The officials say they been made aware of the concerns and will monitor the trees using aerial photography so that they can pinpoint which areas need the most care.

The officials hope the air quality in India will improve due to the massive planting of trees, but it should, seeing as trees absorb greenhouse gasses. India suffers from some of the worst air quality in the world, with 6 of the top 10 most polluted cities lying in the country’s borders.

1.25 billion people live in the state of Uttar Pradesh, making it the most populated state in the nation. With this massive tree planting project finished, the residents hope to breathe easier and rest under the shade of the many trees.

“The biggest contribution of this tree planting project is, apart from the tokenism, that it focuses on the major issues,” Anit Mukherjee, policy fellow with the Centre for Global Development told the Telegraph. “It addresses many of the big issues for India: pollution, deforestation, and land use.”

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

There Are 5 Levels of Love. Which One Are You On?

Even if you’ve been happily in love for ages, it can still feel like a battlefield at times. Once the newness of the relationship wears off, you might find yourself wishing for the “honeymoon” phase of the relationship to come back in full force. However, love doesn’t come without challenges and uphill battles, of course, and it tends to fluctuate between falling in love with the person all over again, and wanting to pull their hair out at times.

Love normally works in stages, and this guide will help you get clarity on which stage of love your relationship may be currently in…

Which of the 5 levels of love are you on? (Comment below and let us know!)

Stage 1: Falling Head Over Heels

In this stage, you’ll feel like a love-struck teenager who just can’t get enough of his/her love interest. You talk to this person every chance you get. Even then, it still doesn’t feel like enough. You spend all night talking on the phone, and text throughout each day. You plan fun adventures to go on, have deep conversations, laugh about silly things, and realize that you feel totally comfortable around this person. They awaken something within you that makes you feel alive, free, and happy. You decide to go on a date, and that first date easily turns into a second one. You’ve fallen for this person, and hard. You wouldn’t have it any other way, though.

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Stage 2: Growing Closer

During this second stage, you will have an even deeper bond with your partner. While you might’ve moved past the “honeymoon” phase, you still totally adore your partner, and enjoy learning new things about him/her. You might even talk of marriage or moving in together, to solidify your bond even further. Your world revolves around them, and vice versa. This stage represents moving from falling in love to being in love, where you can rest your bones and know that you have someone special waiting at home for you. In the beginning, you didn’t know which way things would lead, but now you’ve gotten your answer, and life never felt so good until now.

Stage 3: Uncertainty

After years or even just a few months together, you might lose sight of what made you fall in love in the first place. The newness wore off long ago, but will your love endure the harsh grip of reality? During this stage, most couples decide to either make it or break it, as they likely fight more often than in the beginning of the relationship. Life begins to take over, and the daily stresses can quickly wear down any relationship. Passing this stage allows you to grow stronger together as a couple, but of course, breaking it off can mean a whole new chapter for both of you. Fate lies in your hands, but no matter the choice you make here, one made from the heart can never lead you astray.

Stage 4: Repair and Renew

During this stage, you figure out what went wrong in your relationship in stage 3, and work on mending the issues. You don’t want these same problems creeping up again later. So you’ve decided to work on them now. You realize that both of you have imperfections, and learning to use these as tools for growth will do wonders for your relationship down the road. You once saw your mate as perfect, so what happened between then and now? Of course, we sometimes let our expectations get in the way of reality, so once you can accept each other’s flaws and work together as a team again, you can move on to the next stage.

Related article: 6 Things You Should Stop Doing To Your Partner To Make Them Feel Ugly

Stage 5: Peace and Acceptance

In this final stage, you’ve been to hell and back with your mate, and you know that through the thick and thin, they will stay by your side. You don’t have to pretend with them, or hold back any part of your personality. You can enjoy the world with him or her, and know that at the end of the day, they will have their hearts and arms open for you to rest your soul in.

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