"The notions that passion always peters out, that there's a "seven-year itch," and that honeymoons are over once reality sets in are cliche;s with truth to them. But that doesn't mean that long-term love is impossible. As veteran couples therapist Linda Carroll shows, love "cycles," including Doubt and Denial, are part of genuine intimacy, rather than signs of its demise. In fact, asserts Carroll, it is by courageously moving through what comes after the rapturous initial Merge cycle that we get to authentic intimate relationship. As crucial as our willingness to navigate stormy waters of Disillusionment and Decision is embracing the inner personal development that is both a reward of and prerequisite for Wholehearted Loving. The goal, that Carroll demonstrates how to attain, is to become our best self and share that self - joyfully and honestly - with another"-- ""A couples therapist describes five stages to long-term relationships, from 'the merge,' to 'doubt and denial,' 'disillusionment,' 'decision,' and 'wholehearted loving,' discussing how each stage is part of intimacy and self-actualization"--Provided by publisher"--