Wouldn't you say the life cycle of a relationship is very similar to the life cycle of a product or an industry?

The following is taken from a business website but the underlying ideas seem to be comparable to relationships. Just replace some business terms with relationship terms. And obviously not every relationship will go through each step or take the same amount of time at each step.



http://www.12manage.com/images/picture_product_life_cycle.gif


Introduction Stage: The product is introduced in the market through a focused and intense marketing effort designed to establish a clear identity and promote maximum awareness. Many trial or impulse purchases will occur at this stage.

Growth Stage: Can be recognized by increasing sales and the emergence of competitors. Marketing efforts are sustained. Some customers make repeat purchases.

Maturity Stage: This phase can be recognized when competitors begin to leave the market. Also, sales velocity is drastically reduced, and sales volume reaches a steady level. At this point, typically loyal customers purchase the product.

Decline Stage: The lingering effects of competition, unfavourable economic conditions, new trends, etc., often explain the decline in sales.


This is really just the tip of the iceberg but some of the in-depth reading I did from my business textbook was just mind-blowing in regards to how the same ideas could be used in relationships.

Brilliant.

nice work, I'm saving that for future reference.

yup, truth to the realist

You're so right.

1. Introduction
2. Growth
3. ????
4. Profit!

This is pretty clever alright. I approve.

I'm going to chrome my dick so I can have more re-sell value.

The cynic in me loves this. Bravo.

Also: Dead girls don't say no