logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
21m 52s

#54: From Honeymoon Period to Power Stru...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In this episode, we're talking all about the stages of a relationship - specifically, what happens when we transition from the honeymoon period of a relationship (fuelled by chemistry, romance and infatuation) to the power struggle (where all our flaws and wounds come to the fore).

We'll talk about:

  • what each stage of a relationship looks like
  • why the transition from honeymoon period to power struggle feels like a bait & switch
  • how anxious-avoidant dynamics overlay onto this dynamic
  • how you can make the most of the power struggle stage & use it to grow closer as a couple


Download the FREE Anxious Attachment Starter Kit here

Join the 28-day Secure Self Challenge! Starts 10 Feb 2025

Additional Resources



Up next
Jul 8
#196: How & Why We Self-Abandon in Relationships
If you deeply fear abandonment, there’s a good chance you’ve also been abandoning yourself in quiet, subtle, and painful ways.In today’s episode, we’re exploring how fear of abandonment often leads to patterns of self-abandonment — especially for those with anxious attachment. We ... Show More
19m 8s
Jul 1
#195: Two Simple Principles for a Healthy Nervous System
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two key principles for building a truly resilient, balanced nervous system — and why one without the other tends to keep us stuck.We’ll explore:Why nervous system health isn’t about being relaxed all the timeThe importance of deliberate stress expo ... Show More
11m 4s
Jun 24
#194: When You Don’t Feel Like a Priority in Your Relationship
If you often feel like you're fighting for a place in your partner’s life—like you’re always waiting to be chosen or noticed—this episode is for you.This is one of the most common experiences for people with anxious attachment: that persistent, painful feeling of being sidelined. ... Show More
18m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
221. The DOUBTING Phase of Relationships No One Talks About
There’s one stage of new relationships that no one talks about. We try to pretend it doesn’t happen. In fact, we do one better (or worse): we usually dip out of the relationship the second we enter this phase. The first phase of any new relationship is the honeymoon phase…and it ... Show More
19m 20s
Nov 2023
Beyond the Honeymoon Phase – Sustaining Deeper Love
Maintaining deep love and intimacy in a relationship beyond the honeymoon phase can be challenging. As the initial excitement fades away, patterns of suffering, disconnection, and a lack of trust can show up. Many couples can struggle to sustain the passion and intimacy they once ... Show More
26m 17s
Aug 2023
Redefining Relationships
Have you ever paused to consider how your relationships are shaping your spiritual journey? This episode invites you on a reflective exploration of this complex maze. We begin by discussing a pattern we've noticed in our own lives and those around us: the tendency to 'd ... Show More
34m 14s
Jan 2024
(Rewind): How Your Attachment Style Affects Your Relationships
We often learn our attachment style very early in life. And it can go on to affect all of our romantic relationships. But how? And to what extent should we excuse people's behaviour because of their attachment style? In this episode, Matt, Stephen and Audrey discuss attachment st ... Show More
12m 32s
Feb 2022
Valentine's Day Episode: Shifting from Codependence to Healthy Relationships
Hello, this is a special Valentine's episode on relationships. I didn't plan on getting into relationships and codependence for another few weeks, and today it just felt right.  In this episode, I mention Pia Mellody's book - Facing Codependence. It is an intense read and can be ... Show More
15m 44s
Jun 2021
120: 5 Secrets to Getting a Relationship Even When You Hate Dating
Dating fatigue is real. Given the option, I think most people would choose to bypass the process entirely and skip directly to being in a meaningful relationship. But since science isn’t quite there yet, how can you manage your energy so the dating process—the part you need in or ... Show More
9m 24s
Nov 2023
Why Your Relationships Only Last 3 Months: The Friendship Phenomenon
This podcast isn't just another "what's wrong with them" rant. Instead, we offer a fresh perspective that encourages personal growth and proactive strategies for fostering lasting relationships.Get ready to discover:Why the dating phase is crucial for long-term happines ... Show More
45m 8s
May 2023
4 Things Couples Forget to Do After Years Together (That Are Crucial to Connection!): Episode 289
Do you ever wish that you were back in that infamous "honeymoon" stage of your marriage? Believe us we understdand why we hear this from couples. You want to be in that feeling of newness, optimism, passion, and infinite possibilites with a true partner at your side. There is som ... Show More
14m 2s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami