Fairy tales say that once a girl met a boy; they fell in love and lived happily ever after. The reality is not that simple. Long-term relationships force couples to get to know each other, become involved in each other's worlds, battle through difficult times, and ultimately develop deeper connections, as noted through the distinctive stages of Knapp's relationship model. Even though I've been dating the same person for more than two years, our communication through the stages of the relationship makes it seem like I'm now dating a different person than the one I met years ago. After the breakup and subsequent repair, I realize that the most exhilarating roller coaster rides develop through a series of ups and downs, just like the phases on which our relationship is built. Our initial contact occurred the moment he caught my attention while cross-country running. I felt an instant attraction and my friends called him "Paige's crush." The similarity of interests brought us together and provided opportunities for interactive contact through high school football. The relationship developed from afar as we watched and learned from each other through the closeness of our neighborhoods. Living just a mile away meant more opportunities for contact. Soon, we transitioned to deliberate touching, and waves of exhilarating, throbbing emotions overwhelmed me every time John called. Showing interest, John pursued me as we spent time together, blending our personalities. Duchenne's uncontrollable smiles took over when I saw him or thought about him. Football team dinners required no need for words because our non-verbal communication and eye contact said it all through winks and silly faces. By the end of the summer, we found ourselves bonded and officially dating. The... medium of paper... our relationship model and we were better off for it. While there is no such thing as being a happily ever after couple, there is a cycle of phases that transformed my relationship into a stronger connection. Our journey has taught us to improve through relational phases, reaching new levels of involvement and intimacy in difficult times. Others may see roller coaster dips as a reason to terminate rather than repair what they once had. True growth requires that we use the low points as a way to better appreciate the high points of our new reality. As we continue our relationship today, we learn to cooperate by listening and receiving before responding harshly. The Knapp cycle continues on a direct path toward repair or resolution and John and I now approach our problems calmly and rationally because we have learned through each difficult moment.