This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be broken down into distinct stages. According to a 2014 survey by eHarmony, there are five stages of love – butterflies, building, assimilation, honesty, and stability.
Published in 2014, the study found that each stage has a different impact on our psyche and health.
1) Butterflies
Characterized by intense infatuation and sexual attraction, the butterflies stage is marked by symptoms such as weight loss and a lack of productivity. In fact, 30% of participants reported weight loss, while 39% noted a decline in productivity.
Biologically, this stage is driven by the release of sex hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. As a result, 56% of participants reported an increase in their libido.
2) Building
As the initial attraction gives way to learning more about one another, couples enter the building stage. During this stage, the body releases neurochemicals called monoamines, which speed up heart rate and trigger rushes of intense pleasure.
However, this stage can also be marked by feelings of 'happy anxiety', where people can think of little else than their blossoming relationship. In fact, 44% of participants reported a lack of sleep, while 29% noted a decline in their attention span.
3) Assimilation
Having established whether the other person is 'right', couples enter the assimilation stage. During this stage, questions over the future of the union and forming boundaries in the relationship can lead to a rise in stress levels.
According to the study, 27% of participants reported increased stress levels during this stage.
4) Honesty
Combining with the assimilation stage, the honesty stage is marked by a rise in stress levels and anxiety. As people open up and show their 'real selves', feelings of doubt and increased vulnerability can arise.
In fact, 15% of participants reported feelings of doubt and increased vulnerability during this stage.
5) Stability
If a couple can weather the emotional rollercoaster of the first four stages, they may reach the stability stage. During this stage, increased levels of trust and intimacy are reported, with 50% of participants reaching this stage.
Biologically, the release of hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin can strengthen feelings of attachment and deepen feelings of intimacy.
According to Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, 'This is where we see a real level of contentness. We found the body releases wonderful hormones which helps couples bond. We noted a real sense of attachment, and a sense of
