In their lecture, Mark and Debra Laaser address the stages of couple development, particularly the characteristics that apply to those relationships where addictions are present. These stages can be summarized as follows: The first stage is commonly known as the infatuation stage. This is the stage where couples generally spend most of their time together, focusing on pleasing the other, and easily minimize their differences. The next stage they refer to is autonomy. This is actually the pre-relationship stage where the individuals are working on themselves and everything is about them. At some point in the relationship, one of the individuals will begin to move from the infatuation stage to the stage known as differentiation. In this stage at least one of the partners will move to regain their individuality. Practicing is the stage where each member begins practicing how to be a unique individual, focusing more on their own individual needs rather than nurturing the relationship. Finally, in the mutual interdependence stage, the couple is able to securely balance separateness and unity in the relationship. At this point, the couple has learned find mutual satisfaction not out of fear and need but based on …show more content…
This is where they notice and become frustrated by what their partner is not doing to satisfy them. Where previously they had focused on each other and making each other happy, they are now more focused on self. During this stage, couples may question whether they married the right person. If a couple doesn’t learn to communicate how to navigate through these differences, they could turn to unhealthy ways to escape the pain and disappointment. It is during this stage the Laasers point out the addict, for example, will revert back to their previous way of