Limerence. What is it? It's that magical state you find yourself in when you meet the person you've fallen in love with. It's the time when you feel like you're floating on air and unbelievably excited.

In the state of limerence, which can last a few months or several years, you feel that everything is possible. It's a beautiful time in a new relationship, when it's you and your partner against the world, and you make plans together. If you or your partner has children, you believe everyone will fit together nicely. And you are off and running to becoming a couple.

Limerence, a term coined by Dr. Dorothy Tenov in the 1970s, can be found in most couples at the beginning of their relationships. But to maintain a satisfying, strong relationship, couples need certain skills that will sustain them once limerence has passed. Stepcouples, especially, need skills that allow them to have a realistic view of stepfamily life so that they can successfully navigate the many challenges that come with being in a stepfamily.

 

Click here for the first in our series of articles on strengthening your stepcouple relationship.