Characterized by "stuffing" of feelings, thoughts. Belief that everything is fine, "don’t rock the boat," and "if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it."

The problems, conflicts, etc., that had been suppressed come out in the open, sometimes with "a bang."

Many couples can’t (or choose not to) resolve this conflicted stage and, after blowing up, return to pseudo-intimacy.

Characterized by a new openness, listening, and "putting down the sword and shield." In my weakness, I am strong. We are less defensive and willing to be vulnerable.

Working through this, we reach moments of:

Stages of Intimacy, adapted by Paul L. Warren, Psy.D., from the book on community-building The Different Drum by M. Scott Peck, MD (1989)