Psychologists believe there are five stages to love: butterflies, building and assimilation; honesty, stability, integrity, and solidarity.
Researchers at eHarmony discovered that each stage has a unique impact on the health and psyche of individuals, as a result of a survey they conducted in 2014.
1) Butterflies
Couples report intense sexual attraction and infatuation, as well as weight loss (33%), and lack of productivity (39%).
According to biology, this is when both women and men produce more testosterone and estrogen.
More than half (56%) of respondents reported an increase in their libido.
Psychologists believe there are five stages to love. These include building, assimilation (honesty and stability), honesty, and construction.
2) Construction
Once the initial attraction subsides, and they learn more about each other, then the honeymoon stage begins. The couple starts to build their relationship.
According to eHarmony, around 33% of Britons are in stage 2 or more according to their study.
Mononamines (neurochemicals) are released in the body. These neurochemicals increase heart rate and cause intense pleasure.
It is possible to feel happy anxiety due to the biological effects. People can only think about their loving relationship.
44% of study participants reported that they had not slept well, while 29% said their attention span was affected.
(3) Assimilation
Stage three allows a couple, having established that the other person’s ‘rightness’ is confirmed, to ask if the relationship is actually right.
27% of participants reported that stress can increase from questions about the future and the need to define boundaries.
In a survey conducted by eHarmony in 2014, it was found that each stage of a relationship had a different effect on your psyche as well as our health. Stock image
4) Honesty
The third stage combines with the fourth, when people are able to show the real you. This is where anxiety and stress levels begin to rise.
MailOnline heard that Dr Linda Papadopoulos, a psychologist, explained to this stage, “This stage deals about the concept behind how all of us put on our most beautiful faces. We edit our lives through social media so it appears as though everything’s fine.”
In 15% of the participants, opening up fully triggered doubts and an increase in vulnerability.
5) Stability
The fifth stage of stability brings more trust and intimacy to a couple who has been able to weather the emotional rollercoaster ride of the previous four stages.
eHarmony revealed that 55% of those surveyed had achieved this level, while 23% reported feeling more content.
Vasopressin is a hormone which, biologically speaking, increases feelings of attachment. It’s released by women and men during an orgasm.
The feelings of attachment are intensified by oxytocin, which is released at childbirth.
MailOnline: Dr Papadopolous said, “This is where you see a real sense of contentment.”
We found that couples can bond through the release of wonderful hormones. The body releases wonderful hormones that help couples bond. We noticed a strong sense of attachment and the feeling of being “you’ve got my back, and I have yours.”