: Both partners commit to dating only each other to explore deeper potential. A common pitfall here is complacency, where the man may stop "wooing" his partner.

: Men are described as "blowtorches" who heat up quickly, while women are like "ovens" that warm up over time. Women are encouraged to share themselves expressively, while men are advised to listen actively without trying to solve every problem immediately.

: The final decision to commit long-term. This period is intended for resolving lingering disagreements before the challenges of marriage. Key Gender Dynamics

: A critical phase where doubts often arise. Gray notes that men may pull away to process feelings (the "cave"), while women may feel anxious about the future; recognizing this as a normal testing phase is key.