Building, Growing Together, and Thriving Together
Today we’re talking about the last 3 of the relationship stages, mainly growing together!
Welcome to the final stretch of the relationship journey!
If you’ve already made it through the excitement of the early stages, found your groove in stability, and committed to a future together, it’s time to dive into the next phases: Co-Creation, Growth, and Partnership.
These are the stages where you’ll build something meaningful together, navigate personal growth, and ultimately become true partners in life.
If you haven’t read about the earlier stages yet, don’t worry—you can click here to read the first part and click here for the second part, to catch up before moving forward.
No matter which stage of the relationship you’re in, communication is always key.
And sometimes, figuring out how to ask the right questions or start deeper conversations can be tricky.
That’s where the Better Topics Card Game for Couples comes in!
It’s the perfect tool to help you improve communication at any stage, with the added bonus of being a fun and engaging way to connect.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been together for years, this game is an easy way to keep the spark alive and the conversations flowing.
So, let’s jump into the exciting stages of co-creating your future, growing together, and becoming partners for life.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s get started!
Stage 5: The Co-Creation Stage (AKA “Let’s Build Something Together”)
You’ve made it through the honeymoon phase, survived the power struggles, and built a strong foundation of trust and commitment.
Now, welcome to the Co-Creation Stage: the part of the relationship where you and your partner start building something together.
It’s no longer just about you as individuals. It’s about the life you’re creating as a team.
And let me tell you, this stage is exciting, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
What Are We Building?
The co-creation stage is where couples start to dream big and think long-term about their shared future.
This is when you’re making plans and setting goals that reflect not only who you are as a couple but also what you want to achieve together.
It could be buying your first home, starting a business, creating a family, or even planning that big trip you’ve always talked about.
This is where the concept of “we” really solidifies.
It’s no longer just about what each of you wants individually. It’s about what you want to create together.
You’re putting your heads together, pooling your resources (and your emotions), and figuring out how to turn those shared dreams into reality.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (Literally)
At this stage of a relationship, the key word is teamwork.
You’ve already figured out each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and now you’re learning how to complement each other’s skills to make things happen.
One of you might be the planner, while the other is the dreamer.
Maybe one of you is super detail-oriented, while the other is more of a big-picture person. (And if you’re both big-picture people, God help your budget.)
Whatever the dynamic, you’re figuring out how to work together in a way that feels productive and positive.
You’re not just making decisions for the sake of compromise: you’re actively collaborating to create something bigger than yourselves.
And while this can be really rewarding, it’s also when things can get a little tricky.
The Challenge of Blending Visions
Here’s the thing: even if you’re deeply in love and totally committed, you won’t always have the same vision for what your future should look like.
Maybe one of you wants to live in the city, while the other dreams of a quiet life in the suburbs.
Or maybe one of you is itching to start a family, while the other is more focused on career goals. These differences can lead to some serious discussions… and maybe a few heated arguments.
But that’s part of the process in the co-creation stage.
It’s all about learning how to blend your individual visions into a shared one.
This means compromise (yes, again), flexibility, and a willingness to sometimes put the other person’s needs before your own. And while that sounds a little daunting, it can actually be incredibly fulfilling.
I knew a couple who had this exact dilemma—she wanted to move abroad for work, while he was set on staying in their hometown.
They spent months going back and forth, debating the pros and cons, until they came up with a solution that worked for both of them: they’d move abroad temporarily, and if it didn’t feel right after a year, they’d come back.
It wasn’t easy, but they figured out how to create a future that honored both of their dreams.
Creating a Family (Or Not)
For many couples, the co-creation stage is when the conversation about starting a family becomes real. Maybe you’ve always wanted kids, and now it’s time to talk about the when and how.
Or maybe you’re still on the fence about it, and this is the time when you start exploring what parenthood might look like for you.
But co-creation doesn’t just have to mean babies.
For some couples, it’s about adopting a pet, or even starting a business together.
It’s about creating something that’s a reflection of your relationship and your shared values, whatever that may be.
The key is that you’re actively working together to bring something into existence—something that requires both of you to contribute in meaningful ways.
Whether it’s building a family, a home, or a creative project, this stage of a relationship can feel like a partnership in the truest sense of the word. You’re not just talking about your future anymore—you’re building it.
Financial and Life Planning
Money can be a tricky topic, but in the co-creation stage, it’s one you can’t avoid.
This is where serious discussions about finances come into play.
You’re figuring out how to budget together, whether to merge your bank accounts, or how to save for that dream house.
These aren’t always fun conversations (who loves budgeting?), but they’re necessary if you want to build a future that feels stable and secure.
You’re also making decisions about your lifestyle and how you want to live.
Are you prioritizing travel?
Saving for retirement?
Starting a business?
These big life decisions require both of you to be on the same page, or at least willing to compromise.
I once knew a couple who sat down and had a “financial summit” (yes, that’s what they called it) where they wrote out their individual and shared goals on giant sticky notes all over their living room walls.
They talked about their dream house, career goals, even how much they wanted to spend on date nights. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but it got them excited about what they were building together.
The Push-and-Pull of Control
In the co-creation stage, control can become a major theme.
Since you’re both working together on big projects or goals, it’s easy to slip into the habit of trying to control the outcome or each other.
Maybe one of you is a natural planner and wants to map out every detail of the five-year plan, while the other prefers to go with the flow.
Learning to let go of the need to control everything (and everyone) is key to thriving in this stage. You have to trust that your partner is as invested as you are and that, together, you’ll figure it out.
This doesn’t mean you won’t hit a few bumps along the way, because you will, but it means you trust each other enough to navigate those bumps without one person calling all the shots.
The Satisfaction of Creating Together
Here’s the best part of the co-creation stage: there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in working with your partner to bring something to life.
Whether it’s the excitement of putting together a nursery, starting that Etsy shop you’ve always talked about, or finally seeing the house renovation completed, there’s a unique kind of pride that comes from knowing you did it together.
This stage of a relationship can feel like the ultimate team project. Except instead of dreading group work (hello, flashbacks to school), you’re excited to see how your combined efforts bring your shared vision into reality.
It’s no longer about individual successes or failures. It’s about what you’re creating as a couple.
You’re in it for the long haul, and the goals you set now feel meaningful because they’re part of your future together.
Balancing Your Individuality
One of the challenges of the co-creation stage is making sure you don’t lose yourself in the process.
While it’s important to build things together, it’s equally important to maintain your own identity and goals.
You don’t want to wake up one day and realize that you’ve put all your dreams on hold for the sake of the relationship.
In this phase of a relationship, the balance between “us” and “me” is crucial.
You’re learning how to support each other’s individual growth while still working toward shared goals.
It’s a delicate dance, but one that’s essential to making this stage successful.
If you can build a future together without losing sight of your individual aspirations, you’ve really hit the sweet spot.
Why the Co-Creation Stage Is So Special
The co-creation stage is unique because it’s where the future really starts to take shape.
It’s exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
You’re not just daydreaming about your future anymore, you’re actively building it, together.
And while it’s not always easy (let’s be real, arguing over floor plans or family planning can get intense), it’s worth it because you’re creating something bigger than yourselves.
At the end of the day, the co-creation stage is about collaboration.
It’s about figuring out how to merge your dreams, talents, and resources to build a future that excites both of you.
Whether that’s a family, a home, a business, or just a shared adventure, this stage is where you start to see your partnership’s potential come to life.
And that’s a pretty beautiful thing.
Stage 6: The Growth Stage (AKA “Wait, We’re Changing Again?”)
Just when you thought you had everything figured out, here comes The Growth Stage, where life throws you some curveballs, and suddenly you’re both changing.
Sometimes in different ways, sometimes at different speeds.
And guess what?
That’s perfectly normal too!
Welcome to the stage where personal growth, evolving dreams, and unexpected life changes force you to adapt, adjust, and (hopefully) grow together.
Personal Growth Happens, Whether You Like It or Not
The thing about relationships is that they don’t exist in a bubble.
You’re both individuals with your own lives, dreams, and experiences that shape who you are.
And in the growth stage, you start to notice that you, and your partner, aren’t the same people you were when you first met.
Maybe one of you lands a new job, starts a new hobby, or decides to go back to school.
Or perhaps you’ve both experienced life events that shift your perspectives, like losing a loved one, moving to a new city, or having kids.
The growth stage is where you realize that change is inevitable.
Not just in your relationship but in yourselves. You’re evolving, and so is your partner.
And sometimes, that growth can feel scary.
Suddenly, you’re not sure if you’re still on the same page or if your paths are starting to diverge.
When Your Paths Don’t Always Align
In this stage of a relationship, it’s common to feel like you’re growing in different directions.
Maybe one of you is hyper-focused on career goals, while the other is more into personal development or self-discovery.
Or perhaps one partner feels ready for the next big step, like starting a family, while the other wants to focus on travel or other life experiences.
These shifts can create tension if you’re not careful.
One of the biggest challenges in the growth stage is learning how to navigate these differences.
It’s easy to feel like you’re drifting apart when your goals or desires don’t match up perfectly.
But here’s the thing: it’s okay if you’re not always on the same path.
Growth doesn’t mean you have to grow in exactly the same way at exactly the same time. It’s about supporting each other as you evolve and making sure that, even with your individual growth, your relationship continues to thrive.
I remember a couple who hit a rough patch when one partner became obsessed with fitness and personal development while the other was content with their cozy, relaxed lifestyle. They clashed for a while, with one feeling left behind and the other feeling unsupported. But after some real conversations and a lot of patience, they figured out how to encourage each other’s growth without feeling threatened by it.
Growing Pains Are Real
Let’s be honest, personal growth can cause some serious growing pains in a relationship.
It’s not always smooth sailing.
When you or your partner start changing, it can feel destabilizing, like the ground is shifting beneath your feet.
Maybe you’re worried that your partner is growing too much and that you’re getting left behind, or maybe it’s the opposite, you feel like you’re outgrowing the relationship, and you’re unsure what that means for the future.
These moments can lead to tough conversations.
You might have to reassess your relationship goals, check in with each other about where you stand, and sometimes even face the uncomfortable question of whether you’re still compatible in the ways that matter most.
But here’s the thing: if you’re willing to talk openly and listen to each other’s concerns, you can usually find a way to grow together rather than apart.
Embracing Change Instead of Resisting It
In the growth stage, the worst thing you can do is resist the changes happening around (or within) you!
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Change is the only constant,” and this couldn’t be truer in relationships.
The key to surviving and thriving in the growth stage is embracing the changes rather than fighting them.
Let’s say one of you gets a promotion at work and suddenly has to travel more. Instead of seeing it as a threat to your relationship, it’s important to view it as an opportunity to adapt and support each other in new ways.
Maybe you’ll have to figure out how to handle long-distance communication or adjust your routines, but this challenge can actually strengthen your bond if you approach it with an open mind.
I once knew a couple who went through this exact situation. One partner was offered a dream job that required a lot of travel, and at first, they both panicked. But they embraced the change by setting up weekly virtual date nights and even planned special trips to meet up in new cities.
They turned what could have been a rough patch into an adventure that deepened their connection.
The Importance of Communication in the Growth Stage
Here’s the secret to navigating the growth stage: communication!
Yep, that old relationship cliché is the key to surviving this one, too.
When you or your partner are going through a period of personal growth, it’s essential to keep each other in the loop.
Talk about what’s changing, how you’re feeling, and what you need from each other to feel supported.
This is especially important when the changes you’re experiencing are more emotional or internal.
Maybe you’re going through a mental health journey, or perhaps you’re rediscovering old passions that you’d previously put on the back burner.
Whatever it is, don’t assume your partner knows what’s going on in your head. Share your thoughts, and encourage them to do the same.
In the growth stage, checking in with each other becomes more important than ever. It’s easy to get caught up in your own personal evolution and forget that your partner might be feeling left out or confused.
Make it a habit to have regular “state of the union” talks where you both reflect on how you’re growing individually and as a couple.
The Better Topics Card Game for Couples is just right in these kind of situations. Not only you get to talk about the important things, but you do it by playing a game, therefore removing all the added stress of ‘we need to talk’ type of situations.
You can just pick up the cards, read the questions, answer them, win the game and also get to pick a reward that will most definitely benefit you both. If you want to read more about how this game works, click here.
Growing Together
The most beautiful thing about the growth stage is that it doesn’t have to mean growing apart.
In fact, when approached with the right mindset, it can bring you closer than ever.
The trick is learning how to grow together, even when your individual paths look a little different.
Support is everything in this phase!
Encourage your partner’s personal development, and don’t be afraid to ask for their support as you pursue your own goals.
It’s about cheering each other on and finding ways to incorporate your personal growth into your relationship, rather than seeing it as something that takes away from it.
One couple I know decided to go through the growth stage together by setting personal and shared goals. They each made a list of things they wanted to achieve individually (like learning a new skill or starting a side hustle) and then made a list of relationship goals (like traveling together or learning to cook as a team).
This helped them feel like they were on the same page, even when pursuing different things.
Why the Growth Stage Is So Powerful
Here’s why the growth stage is so important: it keeps your relationship from getting stagnant!
Personal growth adds depth to your connection, introduces new dynamics, and keeps things interesting.
When you’re both committed to becoming the best versions of yourselves, you’re also committing to the ongoing evolution of your relationship.
Sure, it can be a little scary, and yes, there will be moments when you wonder if you’re still the same people who fell in love all those years ago.
But if you can learn to grow with grace, patience, and a sense of adventure, the growth stage can be one of the most rewarding phases of a relationship.
At the end of the day, growth is what keeps a relationship alive.
You’ll never stop evolving as individuals, and that’s a good thing. The trick is to keep growing together, adapting to the changes life throws your way, and trusting that, with enough communication and support, your relationship will continue to thrive, even through all the twists and turns of personal development.
So, embrace the change, celebrate the growth, and keep building a future that honors who you both are becoming.
After all, the growth stage isn’t just about surviving change, it’s about thriving in it.
Stage 7: The Partnership Stage (AKA “We’ve Got This”)
You’ve finally arrived at the Partnership Stage: the ultimate relationship goal.
This is the stage where all your hard work, patience, compromises, and love pay off in the form of a deeply connected, fully integrated partnership.
In this phase, you and your partner operate like a well-oiled machine.
You’ve been through the highs and lows, grown together, and now you’re truly a team. If the earlier stages were about figuring out who you are as individuals and as a couple, this one is about knowing that you’re in this together, no matter what life throws your way.
The “We” Mentality
At this point, you’ve mastered the art of being a team.
It’s no longer about “me” or “you”—it’s fully “we.”
Whether it’s decision-making, handling challenges, or celebrating wins, you’re in sync.
You’ve developed a rhythm and flow that works for both of you, and you’ve figured out how to balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a way that feels natural.
This doesn’t mean you’ve lost your individual identities (because you’ve still got your own interests and goals), but you’ve learned how to blend them seamlessly with your partner’s.
The partnership stage is like becoming co-captains of a ship: you’re both steering the same vessel, but you’ve divided up the responsibilities in a way that ensures smooth sailing.
You Know Each Other Inside and Out
One of the most comforting things about the partnership stage is that you really, truly know each other.
We’re not just talking about knowing their favorite pizza toppings or how they like their coffee (though that’s important too).
You’ve seen each other at your best, your worst, and everything in between, and through it all, you’ve chosen to stay and love each other.
You understand how your partner reacts under stress, what makes them feel loved, and even their silent cues. You can often anticipate their needs before they say a word. Maybe you know when they’ve had a tough day just by the way they walk through the door, or you’ve memorized their “I’m annoyed but don’t want to say anything” face.
There’s a deep sense of familiarity that comes from spending so much time together, and it’s incredibly grounding.
Trust on a Whole New Level
In the partnership stage, trust is no longer something you work on. It’s just there.
You’ve built it over time, and it’s rock solid!
There’s no second-guessing, no fear of being vulnerable or wondering whether they’ve got your back.
You know they do, and that confidence in each other makes all the difference.
You’ve reached a point where you can handle anything that comes your way because you trust that your partner will be there, both physically and emotionally.
Whether it’s a career change, a family crisis, or a global pandemic (because hey, life happens), you’re a united front.
The partnership stage is all about that quiet, unshakable certainty that you’re in this together, come what may.
Communication Without Words
By now, you’ve probably mastered non-verbal communication.
There’s something magical about the way couples in the partnership stage can have entire conversations with just a look.
You can sit in comfortable silence, knowing that words aren’t always necessary because you’re so in tune with each other.
Sure, you still talk (a lot), but sometimes you don’t need to.
A simple gesture, a squeeze of the hand, a raised eyebrow, a shared smile, can speak volumes.
You’ve reached a level of intimacy where your connection is so strong that even the smallest actions feel meaningful.
You’ve Learned the Art of Compromise (for Real)
Compromise is the name of the game in relationships, but in the partnership stage, it feels like second nature.
You’re no longer keeping score or feeling like you have to sacrifice something important to make your partner happy. Instead, you’ve found a way to meet in the middle that feels good for both of you.
In earlier stages, compromise might have felt like a battle or a negotiation.
But now, it’s more about understanding each other’s needs and finding a solution that benefits both of you.
There’s no resentment or keeping tabs. You’re happy to make small adjustments because you know your partner is doing the same for you.
For example, maybe you’ve figured out that your partner’s idea of relaxation is binging a TV series, while yours is taking a quiet walk in nature. In the partnership stage, you’ll naturally alternate between these activities, and instead of feeling like you’re giving something up, you’ll appreciate how these compromises enrich your time together.
Navigating Life’s Challenges as a Team
One of the biggest benefits of the partnership stage is the way you handle life’s inevitable challenges.
You’ve been through enough ups and downs to know that, whatever happens, you’re in it together. Whether it’s financial stress, health issues, family drama, or any other curveball life throws, you know you’ll face it as a united front.
You’ve likely developed a “we’ve got this” mentality.
There’s a sense of security that comes from knowing you’re not alone in dealing with the tough stuff.
You’re problem-solving as a team, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of tackling life together. It’s not just about getting through the bad times, though, it’s also about celebrating the good ones.
Deepening Intimacy
The partnership stage takes intimacy to new heights.
It’s no longer just about physical connection (though that’s still important, of course), it’s about emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual closeness.
You’re each other’s confidants, advisors, and biggest fans.
The bond you share goes beyond attraction. It’s about a deep sense of understanding and mutual respect.
You’ve likely discovered new ways to nurture your relationship, whether it’s through shared hobbies, rituals, or traditions that bring you closer.
Maybe you take time to have coffee together every morning, plan annual trips, or find joy in small, everyday routines that only make sense to the two of you.
This stage is where the little moments carry the most weight, because they’re shared with your person.
You’ve Mastered Conflict Resolution
By now, you’ve figured out how to disagree without destroying each other.
Sure, arguments still happen (because you’re human), but they don’t escalate the way they might have in earlier stages.
You’ve learned how to resolve conflicts without hurting each other, and you’ve mastered the art of letting things go once they’re settled.
One of the most important lessons of the partnership stage is that it’s okay to disagree. You’re not always going to see eye to eye, and that’s perfectly normal.
But instead of letting these disagreements fester or become bigger than they are, you’ve learned how to communicate effectively, listen, and find solutions that work for both of you.
You’ve reached the point where conflict no longer feels like a threat to the relationship. It’s just another part of the journey.
Why the Partnership Stage Is So Special
The partnership stage is special because it’s where you experience the true depth of your relationship.
You’ve been through every phase, from the highs of the honeymoon stage to the growth spurts of personal development.
You’ve compromised, argued, celebrated, and grown together.
And now, you’re in a place where your bond is so strong that you can face anything that comes your way.
This stage is about the beauty of everyday love: the quiet, consistent affection that doesn’t need grand gestures to prove its worth.
It’s in the way you take care of each other, how you laugh at inside jokes, and the way you know what the other person needs without even asking.
It’s the deep, steady kind of love that’s built to last.
So, if you’re in the partnership stage, give yourselves a pat on the back. You’ve done the work, and you’ve created something truly special.
It’s no longer about striving for perfection or proving your love to each other, it’s about knowing that you’ve got something solid, something lasting.
You’re not just partners in love.
You’re partners in life! And that’s the kind of love story that never gets old.
Conclusion
No matter which stage of a relationship you’re in, whether you’re basking in the glow of the honeymoon stage or navigating the twists and turns of growth, the journey you share with your partner is all part of building something beautiful together.
Each phase comes with its own set of challenges, lessons, and moments of joy, but with the right mindset (and a lot of patience), you can come out stronger and more connected.
One key to thriving in every stage?
Communication!
And if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to improve how you communicate with your partner, you need to try the Better Topics Card Game for Couples.
It’s the perfect tool to spark deeper conversations, share your thoughts and feelings, and reignite the playful side of your relationship.
Whether you’re in the early stages or you’ve been together for years, this game helps you connect on a whole new level.
Not only is it designed to improve communication, but it’s also a fun way to spend quality time with your significant other.
Why not give it a try?
Grab the Better Topics Card Game, make a date night out of it, and watch how your relationship grows from the inside out.
You might just discover something new about each other, and have a lot of laughs along the way.
Ready to take your relationship to the next level?
Get the Better Topics Card Game and start playing your way to better communication today!
If you landed on this article and would like to read the first part, click here.
Click here for part 2.
So in which relationship stage are you in right now?
