You love the beginning of relationships. The excitement, the butterflies, the feeling of being “chosen.” You chase that high – and when it fades, you lose interest.
You’re addicted to new love. And it’s keeping you from finding lasting love.
In this article, we’ll explore the addiction of the honeymoon phase – and how to find contentment in the long haul.
SUBHEADING: What the “Honeymoon Phase” Is
It’s that initial stage of a relationship when everything is new and exciting. Your brain is flooded with dopamine – the pleasure chemical. You feel euphoric, obsessed, and completely in love.
But the honeymoon phase always ends. It’s not a failure of the relationship – it’s a natural progression. The dopamine settles. The novelty wears off.
SUBHEADING: Why You Chase It
- You’re addicted to dopamine: The high of new love is addictive.
- You’re afraid of stillness: Real love requires calm, not excitement.
- You equate excitement with love: If you’re not feeling that initial rush, you think something is wrong.
SUBHEADING: How to Stop Chasing the Honeymoon Phase
Step 1: Recognize the Pattern
If you’ve left a string of relationships after 6?12 months, you’re chasing the honeymoon. Name it.
Step 2: Reframe Your Expectations
Real love isn’t about constant excitement – it’s about consistent presence. Comfort isn’t boring – it’s peaceful.
Step 3: Find Excitement Elsewhere
You don’t need your partner to be your only source of excitement. Pursue passions, hobbies, and interests that thrill you.
Step 4: Practice Gratitude
When the novelty fades, practice gratitude. What do you appreciate about your partner that you might be taking for granted?
SUBHEADING: The “Honeymoon” Myth – Real Love Isn’t a Dopamine Rush
It’s deeper than that. It’s commitment, partnership, and growth. It’s about loving someone through the monotony, the hard times, and the mundane.
Your next step: If you’ve been chasing the honeymoon, try staying in a relationship past the one?year mark. See what develops.
If you want a guided “Honeymoon” worksheet, I’ve created a free one.
