The Honeymoon Effect

The Honeymoon Effect describes the initial period of heightened happiness and connection experienced at the start of a romantic relationship. During this phase, couples often feel intense affection, attraction, and emotional closeness, supported by brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. This state creates a sense of euphoria and strong bonding. Over time, this heightened intensity usually stabilizes into deeper, more enduring love, but the honeymoon phase is characterized by feelings of excitement and novelty that naturally diminish as the relationship progresses.