subject: Courtship - Getting to Know Someone [print this page] Courtship - Getting to Know Someone Courtship - Getting to Know Someone
There is something in the attraction between two human beings that can even be seen from the outside, like sparks flying in the air. That is probably where the saying 'Love is in the air' comes from.
Courtship is also the first stage in any relationship which will determine whether the couple will move on to the honeymoon stage and form a stable relationship or continue dating.
Definition of the courtship stage
The courtship stage is where we get to know someone new and are attracted to them more than to the average person you meet. This is where you spend time flirting, teasing each other, looking into each other's eyes for extended periods and find that you are spending more time together on dates, lunches, dinners or movie nights. The relationship is not yet formed as such but is developing. The emphasis is on finding out whether it is safe to be vulnerable with this person as you find out about the person's character and each other's personal lives. In this stage we also usually idealize the potential partner to encourage our own dreams and sometimes even lose sight of reality.
Falling in Love...
When we have decided to take it to the next level the courtship enters into the second stage of a relationship, the honeymoon stage, and we fall in love. In the best possible case both partners fall in love around the same time and it's all heaven.
Read more on the second stage in my article called 'Falling in Love - The Honeymoon Stage'.
...or getting hurt
More often there is only one person falling head over heels and the other person is not (or not yet) ready to let go. One person might be more interested than the other, even though that isn't always openly and honestly communicated. This is where you can get hurt; there is no way around it. For most people, the chance of finding someone to fall in love with (and have a relationship with) is worth the risk of getting hurt.
What next?
After the pain has subsided people usually start or continue dating and flirting. In certain cases the hurt makes you act and decide more realistically. You are less likely to blindly trust someone promising you heaven on earth before you have checked them out thoroughly. Even though that might sound less romantic it can help you become more self-assured about what it is you want, and don't want, to put up with.
Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.
Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.
Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.
