When starting a new relationship, you never quite know what to expect. Every couple is different and has to deal with various situations, However, there are general stages that every couple will go through at some point.

Infatuation Stage

The relationship is new and your significant other is basically perfect. Neither of you can do any wrong. Your social media is flooded with photos of you two with captions about how incredible it is being with them. This person is like a drug to you, they're all you can talk about. They make you feel absolutely amazing. It kind of makes your friends so sick that sometimes they want to hit you but you don't care because you're happy.

Accommodation Stage

At this point, you realize that your SO is not perfect. You've had a few spats and had to make a few compromises by now but life is still good. You now have expectations and a somewhat defined role in the relationship. You still go on dates that are Instagram-worthy but some of their habits have become a little annoying. It's natural for this to happen, everything can't always be magical.

The Stage of Doubts

At this point you've been together for awhile and you're starting to have doubts. These doubts are normal but can be a breaking point for a couple that does not communicate well. It's ok to doubt your feelings, your intentions, and your relationship in general. At this point, you also start to compare your relationship with past ones and with other couples. This stage can be known as the "rough patch" in a relationship but it can be overcome.

The Crossroads

At this point, a decision has to be made. To stay or to go, that is the question. You and your SO have to decide if your relationship is worth hanging on to or if it's time for you to let go and move on. This can be a very challenging and emotional time for a couple. There is also a chance that this decision is a unilateral one, meaning one person decides to leave without discussing problems they have with the other.

Rebirth

If you've made it through the crossroads, your relationship has a solid chance of making it. Typically you come out as a new couple, with a new understanding and respect for the other person. This is almost like a second infatuation phase with a better grasp on who the other person is.

If course, this cycle will often be repeated many times throughout the relationship. The key to a magical bond is trust, communication, and the occasional dose of Harry Potter.