Can The Honeymoon Phase Last Forever? The Expert Opinion

Ah, the beginnings of a relationship. A time where pure bliss, unfiltered adoration, a lot of sex and, of course, a whole lot of romance, happens. But does this time have to be only at the beginning of a partnership? Or can the honeymoon phase last forever?

"The honeymoon phase is that euphoric stage of a romance in which everything is newly perfect," psychologist Caitlin Slavens tells The Knot.

Whether you're just in the honeymoon phase or perhaps you feel it slipping away, you might have questions: How long does the honeymoon phase last? What comes after the honeymoon phase in a relationship? With the help of Slavens, we're here to give you all the details on this coveted relationship phase, plus how to strengthen your relationship, below.

In this article:

• What is the Honeymoon Phase?
• How Long Does the Honeymoon Phase Last?
• How to Stay in the Honeymoon Phase Forever, Sort Of

What is the Honeymoon Phase?

For starters, what is the honeymoon phase meaning? Well, it's all about those ooey, gooey, lovey stages of an early relationship. A time when everything feels perfect and content.

According to Slavens, the honeymoon phase is akin to being in a romantic comedy—everything your partner does is cute, the world feels brighter and, by golly, you're certain you found your person. It's a truly blissful period that can bring two people closer together than ever before. And it's not about perfection, however. It's about the thrill of discovery, of that magnetism between them.

How Long Does the Honeymoon Phase Last?

Whether you're in the honeymoon phase now or you're about to be, it's only natural to wonder: How long does the honeymoon phase last? The answer to this, perhaps unsurprisingly, is that it depends on you and your partner.

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There is no exact timeline—it could be six months or it might extend to two years, depending on the couple. "It's all a matter of how long you ride the wave of newness and intense connection," Slavens explains, "Life stressors, routines and the natural rhythms of your relationship will all affect when this dreamy phase starts to shift into something more grounded."

Of course, when you start wondering, "When does the honeymoon phase end?" it might be closer than you think—there's not a buzzer that goes off, but the energy is different. That doesn't mean the end of this phase is the end of a relationship. It just means you're a little more realistic and on par with the evolution of relationships. As long as it isn't feeling like roommate syndrome territory.

"Those little quirks that used to seem so endearing? They're all liable to wear on you. The texting for hours and hours and talking till 2 a.m.? It may cede to comfortable silence or, let's be honest, scrolling TikTok side by side," she says, "This is when all of the giddiness of infatuation turns into partnership, which is not a bad thing. It's just different."

How to Stay in the Honeymoon Phase Forever, Sort Of

There's nothing wrong with wanting the honeymoon phase to last longer than normal. But can the honeymoon phase last forever?

Spoiler alert: No, you can't stay in the honeymoon phase forever, and honestly, you wouldn't want to. But you can rekindle the flame and prevent yourselves from falling into a rut.

You can, however, do a few things to keep the spark alive and build an even deeper connection over time—like following the 2-2-2 dating rule, finding new things to do together and exploring new ways to spice up your relationship. Here are some other ideas, below.

Carve Out Time for Each Other

Life gets busy, but no one should use that as an excuse to drift apart. Organize date nights, make impromptu road trips or simply binge-watch a show together while those phones are off." It's not the amount of time you spend, Slavens adds, but how purposeful you are with your time.

Stay Curious About Each Other

"Even if you think you've learned everything there is to know about your partner, there's always more to find out," she explains, "Discuss questions, dream big together or try something new like taking a cooking class or hiking a trail that you've never explored. Curiosity keeps things fresh."

Celebrate the Small Stuff

We get it: It's easy to get lost in the minutiae of daily living, but don't overlook the little things your partner does and be sure to acknowledge them. "A little shout-out, a compliment or even an out-of-nowhere 'I'm so glad you're mine' text can bring back the heat," Slavens suggests.

Embrace the Growth

The honeymoon phase is exciting, but the truly beautiful pieces of the relationship happen afterward. Relationships grow when you share the highs and lows of life. This is where the real relationship begins.

"Once the honeymoon phase is over, you're no longer just falling for the highlights—you're loving the whole person, warts and all. It may, sure, feel less electric, but it's a deeper connection. You establish routines, face challenges together and become a team. It's like the difference between a sparkler and a slow-burning candle—they're both beautiful, but one lasts longer."