The Lazy Roadblock

There are multiple phases in a relationship. There is the beginning phase, where one has to initiate the relationship and both must work to begin the lasting relationship. There may be gifts involved; flowers, candy... the works. This is a very exciting phase, very fun and new. There is no expectation, no pressure and no hesitation involved, only adoration and dedication. This phase is quite simple and most people understand that hard-work is a requirement for this stage.

Then we move into phase 2, which is a bit more tricky. This is the part where two people become intimate and start to feel comfortable with each other. Some people see this phase as a freebie, a stage where both partners can set their relationship on cruise-control and feel the breeze in their hair. WRONG! This is a critical phase in a relationship and here's why.

As a guy, being comfortable with a girl is the greatest feeling ever. Having someone you love be a best friend to share all your secrets with, and to talk to her about anything is a wonderful feeling. But there is a fine line between being comfortable and being lazy.

Most girls will find their mates to be lazy in this phase. The guy might start dressing differently; she will see a little less of his nice jeans and shirts, and a little more of his sweat pants and hooded sweatshirts. She will begin to analyze his actions which may seem lazy to her. Calling/texting her only twice a day, rather than every hour or so from phase one.

Whilst the girl is seeing this in her man, the man is simply in a phase of comfort. Maybe he will call her less when she's out because he trusts her. Maybe he will dress a little differently because he wants to show that it's okay for her to let her hair down too.

Obviously, the juxtaposition of the two ideas creates a conflict between the two partners. It's hard to pinpoint when this situation occurs in phase two, but its important to know the resolution; communication.

Yes, it sounds very cliche; "communication is key to a healthy relationship." But it's true! How will she ever know that he's not being lazy if she doesn't give him a chance to explain his new- unattractive- behaviors? How will he ever understand her coldness towards him if he doesn't ask?

By talking about the situation and the changes that have occurred in the relationship, both partners can properly access the problems infront of them. If the guy seems to be lazy, he needs to remember that he needs to show her as much love as he did in phase one, that just being in a relationship doesn't mean the showering of love needs to stop. He could use a little reminder himself that she is his beloved and that he would do anything for her.

She would understand that the guy's expression of comfortability is a bit odd. Then she would begin to accept his actions and understand that his motives were not to be faineant. Maybe this way, she will realize that maybe she is expecting too much from him and come to terms that she is not in the relationship for the things he did for her, but simply out of adoration for him.

So in this difficult and tricky stage of the relationship, communication is crucial. Take the time to sit down and talk it out. Don't do anything irrational, calm yourself, keep your head up, be optimistic, give each other the benefit of the doubt, and talk it out! Always remember; there IS a phase 3. Don't be lazy, and make reaching the next phase both your goals.