Stage 3: Flourishing Partnerships
This stage focuses on the post-secondary school years, tertiary education and entry into the workforce. Important points for relationship development and understanding include:
- significant changes in their capacity to think about themselves, others and the world around them (even though their brains are not yet fully developed)
- greater ability to consider different points of view, and increased empathy and concern for others
- value the diversity of people (and their perspectives)
- more focused on more serious, emotional and physical intimacy
- intimate relationships begin to develop
- increased regard for love, fidelity and lifelong commitment, as very important foundations for successful relationships
‘Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person's good.’ St John Paul II, Love and Responsibility, 1981
Relationship testimonials
Most of us are naturally curious and benefit from hearing about the experiences of others, as individuals and couples. The following couples have generously reflected on their experiences, and share their insights into their meeting, their relationship developing, the place of faith in this, and much more.
Dom and Frances
After meeting through mutual friends, find outhow Dom and Frances journey from being colleagues to love and marriage, and some of the people and sources that provided support for them.
Vincent and Joelle
Filled with Joy, Vincent and Joelle share their journey to marriage, their common interests and the blessings they find together.
Katie and Nathan
Providing insight into the benefits of marriage preparation and their sources of inspiration, Katie and Nathan share the joy they find in marriage and parenthood.
Jean-Luc and Dora
From Mauritius to Sydney, Jean-Luc and Dora share insights into their relationship and their COVID impacted journey towards marriage.
Raz and Chris
Raz and Chris share insight into their relationship including how they met, the role of their shared faith and the joy they find together in love.
An initiative of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Joy of Love is facilitated by CatholicCare Sydney. To learn more about their work and the people they help, visit catholiccare.org