Relationships
ESSENTIAL Naples
The
Most Fulfilling Relationship You Can Experience
SUMMER 2021
40 By Dana Lee
D
id you know there are three stages of being in a relationship? Most people only experience stage 1 or 2, but stage 3 is the most fulfilling. Are you interested in finding out what the three stages of relationships look like? Interested in finding out how you can experience the stage 3 relationship? The first thing we need to do is clarify what each stage of a relationship looks like.
SECRET #3 in Relationship Secrets
“When both for Singles partners are A stage 1 relationship is one in which all you care operating in about is what you can get from the other person. This level of relationship is extremely self-focused stage 3 there and you show little concern for the other person’s is extreme needs. This is clearly not a good approach and will transparency, only lead to temporary and shallow results. In a connection, stage 1 relationship, there is typically very little and freedom transparency but a great deal of manipulation to get one’s needs and desires met. People who opfor you both erate in a stage 1 relationship will move on to the to be who you next person as soon as the other person begins to really are.” realize they are being unvalued and used. —Dana Lee
A stage 2 relationship is a relationship wherein you will give to the other person only if they have given to you. Because we are typically a give-andtake society, many relationships operate at this stage,
similar to going to a store to make a purchase and giving money in exchange for a product or service. This way of living works really well in some parts of life, and relationships in stage 2 may be successful but can lack transparency, full trust, and can cause feelings of isolation. If one person pulls away because the other has not met their expectations, they may become a couple who coexists and experience a mediocre relationship at best. A stage 3 relationship is one in which you are willing to give to the other person and meet their needs, regardless of whether they are meeting yours. In a stage 3 relationship, you choose to be completely committed to your partner and put their needs ahead of your own. When both partners are operating in stage 3 there is extreme transparency, connection, and freedom for you both to be who you really are. There is a deep trust and feeling of being truly loved and valued that the relationship naturally becomes one of giving on both sides. This type of relationship is the most fulfilling and beneficial for all of us. You may be thinking that a stage 3 relationship is impossible, and you don’t want to get hurt again. That’s why it is so important that you become the best version of yourself before entering into another relationship. You also need to slowly progress in the
