the three phases of relationship

In the beginning of every new relationship is the "honeymoon" phase. Whether it's a new romantic partner, a new business, a new job, a new service offering, a new employee, a new friendship, the beginning of anything is all positive. All I see is the best attributes and I don't tend to see any negatives.

Once the initial shine is off the relationship, we enter the "power struggle" phase. It's during this phase that the fantasy evaporates and I come face to face with the dark side of the other person. In phase 1 I tended to see only the positives; in phase 2, I tend to see only the negatives.

The third phase is the "integration" phase. I appreciate the positives and have learned to embrace the negatives as they each support me to grow.