Cupcake Stages Of Dating

Women's Dating

The Cupcake Stage of Dating (11 Signs & Tips)

Lauren Sanders

Written by: Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

Lauren is a professional matchmaker, dating expert, certified life/dating coach, multi-published self-help author, and founder of The Love Crush Agency™. She has 15+ years of experience as a therapist and a professional background working with the nation’s largest matchmaking agency. Lauren leads a mission based life to genuinely help others no matter the circumstance. Her relationship book "You Deserve the World" encourages women to never settle for anything less than they deserve. Other notable books by Lauren include "Lipstick Faith: A Collection of Inspirational Writings and Rainbows" and "Strawberries: 100 Devotions for the Brighter Side of Life."

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

Reviewed by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com.

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Infatuation is at its highest peak during the cupcake stage of dating. This stage can be defined as the phase of dating when two individuals are madly in love or completely obsessed with each other.

Flaws are typically ignored during this stage due to a hyperfocus on the good vibes individuals experience during the early days of dating.

If you’re wondering how to know when you’re in the cupcake stage of dating, we’ve outlined the signs that you’re sweet on your sweetie.

1. Communication is in Overdrive 

When you’re in the beginning stages of dating, all you’ll want to do is talk to your new beau every day, all day. They’ll be on your mind 24/7. Therefore, you’ll desire to be in touch with them as often as possible. No amount of communication is too much. The more the better.

Young woman with curly hair lounging on couch and laughing at cellphone
Texting throughout the day is a sure sign you’re in the cupcake stage.

As a matter of fact, you may feel as if your day is incomplete if you fail to communicate with your new love on a consistent basis.

2. Quality Time is All the Time

During the cupcake stages of dating, spending time together will be at an all-time high. You’ll want to experience everything with them. From the latest movies to trying new restaurants, you’ll be spending time with your new significant other more often than not. Being in each other’s presence will bring fulfillment and happiness.

3. Hanging Out With Your Friends Less Often

While you’ll still love your friends and family members, they’ve known you for a very long period of time. Therefore, you likely won’t feel bad when you begin to ditch them to spend more time with your new love.

Being in the presence of your new love interest might be more appealing than spending time with people you’ve known most of your life. Hopefully the true friends will understand.

However, it is very likely that you won’t care if they understand or not. You’ll be so infatuated during the cupcake stage of dating, the opinions of others won’t matter much.

4. Physical Affection Is Constant

Individuals who are newly interested in one another are typically physically affectionate (PDA galore). Couples may frequently explore each other sexually and thoroughly enjoy it.

Think of it like having a brand new shiny car. You’ll want to take it for a spin and get to know every aspect of how it handles.

Particularly, if your primary love language is physical touch, you will likely be in overdrive during this honeymoon phase of dating. 

5. Thinking About Your Special Person Day and Night

Just as the famous R&B singing group Troop states in their famous love song “all I do is think of you,” your mind will be consumed with thoughts of your new sweetie. During the cupcake stages of dating, your mind will be consistently preoccupied with your new love interest.

The cupcake stage of dating is characterized by obsessive attention. Nearly every second of the day will be consumed with memories and thoughts of when you last saw him or her. You’ll be thinking about all the fun times you recently shared, as well as your plans to spend time together. It’s quite normal to mentally obsess over a person during the early phases of courtship.

Tips to Keep the Spark Alive

The only downside to this enjoyable phase of dating is that it can be rather short-lived. In other words, eventually reality sets in and the romance isn’t as fresh anymore. When individuals first meet, they put their best foot forward. They tend to ensure all of their good qualities stand out in a very noticeable manner. Then the real flaws and quirks come out over time.

Here are a few ways to ensure couples can move forward and progress beyond the cupcake stage of dating successfully.

6. Discuss Your Goals for the Future

One sure way to ensure the success of a relationship is to discuss your long-term plans for the future. Ask yourselves:

  • What do each of you desire in a mate?
  • What do you value most in life?
  • How far do you want the relationship to progress?

Oftentimes individuals assume they are on the same page with their desires and ambitions. However, this is not always the case. One party may want a marriage or a serious relationship, while the other party may feel differently about long-term commitment.

It is important to ensure you are on the same page to prevent things going awry.

7. Set Realistic Expectations for the Relationship

Setting goals for the future should go hand in hand with setting realistic expectations for the relationship. For instance, if one partner has strong beliefs in monogamy, while the other partner prefers an ethically non-monogamous relationship, they are not compatible as a couple.

Oftentimes individuals become so enamored during the cupcake stage of dating they disregard opposing beliefs. They may not have a clear view of what the future may look like. That’s why it is important to ensure both parties communicate their desires early on.

8. Allow for Communication Without Judgment

Communication is perhaps the most important aspect for sustaining long-term relationships. If a romantic connection is going to thrive, communication must be at the core of the union.

The better the communication, the more successful the relationship will be in the end.” –Lauren Sanders, matchmaker

Express your needs, desires, and expectations for the relationship. Keeping a clear line of communication open will ensure the success of the relationship as well as maintain the positive vibes generated during the cupcake stages of dating.

9. Be Intentional With Quality Time

This is a big one. As the beginning stages of dating begin to wear off, couples typically forget the things they did early on to keep their partner interested. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to continue spending time together.

Being intentional with quality time helps to keep the union solid and prevent distractions from taking over. Distractions can be anything from other people to other things in life such as work or hobbies that may jeopardize the integrity of the relationship.

Always be mindful regarding the amount of time you spend with your significant other.

10. Continue to Put in Effort

It is absolutely true when they say relationships are hard work, and the work doesn’t end once you’re exclusive or once you’re married. Don’t forget how you fell in love. Don’t forget the things you did in the beginning with each other.

Photo of a couple in love
Couples have to be intentional to keep the romance going.

Remember what makes your significant other feel special. Remember the warm fuzzies you felt during the cupcake stage of dating.

The best way to maintain a healthy and loving relationship is to never stop dating and to continue being considerate of each other. The moment that stops, the relationship will be at risk for failure.

11. Refuse to Allow Outside Interference 

It can be challenging to keep outside interference away from your relationship. Whether it is a family member, a job, or another distraction, be mindful of its involvement in your relationship. If your goal is for longevity, you must show your partner that they are your priority.

Refuse to allow anyone or anything to come between you and your special person. Your relationship should be sacred and stay between the two of you. If there are issues, you need to deal with them with your partner directly.

Never Forget Why You Fell in Love 

Remembering why you fell in love in the first place will help you focus on what matters most: loving your person. 

Reserve a permanent space in your brain for all the wonderful qualities that initially made you fall for each other. 

Hard times are inevitable in relationships, so you must guard your union. Build a fortress around your love so that nothing will be able to break it.

The cupcake stage of dating is one that will always be cherished and valued. Just remember that beyond the cupcake stage of dating is a deeper phase of love waiting to take your relationship to new heights.