Is the Honeymoon Phase a Myth? Understanding Love's Most Romanticized Stage

"Historically, the referred to a period after the wedding when newlyweds withdrew from social life - sometimes traveling, but often just spending private time together. The concept of the honeymoon phase originated from observing the intense emotions that mark the beginning of most romantic relationships. Relationship researchers define it as that early period-lasting anywhere from weeks, months to even a year or two- when couples experience heightened attraction, frequent physical affection, and what feels like perfect compatibility."

"It has been called "limerence" (coined by Dorothy Tennov in 1979), the first stage of love. She characterized it by physical symptoms (flushing, trembling, palpitations), excitement, intrusive thinking, obsession, fantasy, sexual excitement, and the fear of rejection. The cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters that your body produces including oxytocin and phenyleteylamine, a natural form of amphetamine result in a natural high. The elevated levels of dopamine can cause a feeling of euphoria along with poor judgement and impulse control issues."

The honeymoon phase marks the early period of romantic relationships, lasting weeks, months, or up to a year or two, with heightened attraction, frequent physical affection, and perceived perfect compatibility. Historically the term referred to newlyweds withdrawing from social life and spending private time together. Researchers describe the stage as limerence, characterized by physical symptoms like flushing and palpitations, intrusive thinking, obsession, fantasy, and fear of rejection. A cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters including oxytocin, phenyleteylamine, and elevated dopamine produces a natural high, euphoria, and reduced impulse control and judgment. Most couples report intense sexual chemistry and a conflict-free, optimistic view of the future.

Read at The Gottman Institute