Heartbreak is an experience that no one can survive. When a relationship ends, we start looking for reasons, patterns, logic, and meaning. We want to know whether what happened to us was normal? And the biggest question is at which stage most relationships break?

We often think that we wish we could find some timeline, some dangerous turn by which we can save ourselves. By counting the months and years of our own relationship, we start estimating whether we are in the safe zone or near a turning point where the relationship can shake.

The truth is that there is no simple answer to a relationship breakdown. But some patterns are definitely visible at such transitional junctures, where the relationship between two people is tested the most. It is at these places that either the relationship gets stronger or it starts breaking.

According to relationship experts, most couples face their first big test in the “honeymoon and” phase of 6 months to 2 years. The period of 3 to 5 years is the stage where the question “What next?” The question arises. Then around 7 years, stagnation, loneliness and external pressures like job, money, or shifting can weaken the relationship at any stage and the biggest factor is communication, which decides whether the relationship will survive or break.

Now let’s talk about what relationship “stages” mean. When therapists or experts say stages, it does not mean that every couple will follow a fixed timeline. Relationships are not always the same. Every relationship progresses at its own pace, sometimes fast, sometimes slowly, and sometimes without any pattern.

The infatuation phase is the period when everything seems perfect. As soon as the reality phase comes, the real world comes in front, shortcomings start appearing, fights start and from here the power struggle starts. According to relationship experts, most relationships break in this stage because many couples are unable to handle conflict.

Those who pass this stage move on to the commitment and then partnership phase where the relationship is based on trust, understanding and teamwork. This is the level where “I” and “you” come together to become “we” and start building a life together, be it marriage, children or a shared future.