So many beautiful relationships begin with excitement, butterflies, and late-night talks that seem to stretch into forever. That early phase—the “honeymoon stage”—is intoxicating. It’s where affection flows easily, flaws are hard to see, and love feels like magic. And while those early sparks are wonderful, they’re not the whole story. In fact, I’ve seen too many marriages unravel simply because couples made lifelong commitments during a season designed only to be a beginning.
The honeymoon phase is fueled by novelty, attraction, and idealism. We show each other our best selves—sometimes without even trying. But as the months pass, real life settles in. Stress, habits, routines, and deeper needs start to surface. It’s not that the love is gone—it’s just that now, we start to see the full picture of each other.
This is where many couples get blindsided. “What happened to us?” they ask. But often, nothing went wrong. It’s just that their relationship hadn’t been tested by reality yet. And marriage isn’t about who you love when it’s easy—it’s about who you love when it’s real.
That’s why I encourage couples to take their time.
Time Reveals Truth
Give the relationship space to breathe. See each other in different seasons—stressful ones, joyful ones, ordinary ones. Watch how each of you responds to disappointment, how you handle money, how you treat others, and how you work through disagreements. Ask each other meaningful questions. Don’t just focus on what you enjoy together—look at how you handle what’s difficult.
True compatibility doesn’t come from romantic chemistry—it comes from shared values, emotional resilience, spiritual alignment, and the ability to grow together.
Slow Love is Strong Love
When love is patient, it becomes powerful. It sees clearly. It chooses wisely. And it builds a foundation that doesn’t crumble under life’s pressure. I’ve counseled many couples who thought they were ready, only to realize they hadn’t yet asked the hard questions. And I’ve seen others—who waited, prayed, and grew together—build marriages that were not just passionate, but peaceful, joyful, and enduring.
So to anyone thinking about commitment, I say this with all my heart: don’t rush the process. Let love mature. Let your eyes open. And when you do choose, choose not from the rush of emotion—but from the calm of clarity.
Because when you marry someone you truly know, someone whose character and soul you’ve come to trust—not just adore—that’s when marriage becomes the beautiful gift it was meant to be.
With love and hope,
Don Flor