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New relationship energy (or NRE) also commonly known as Honeymoon Phase is a state of mind experienced at the beginning of sexual and romantic relationships, typically involving heightened emotional and sexual feelings and excitement. NRE begins with the earliest attractions, may grow into full force when mutuality is established, and can fade over months or years. The term indicates contrast to those feelings aroused in an "old" or ongoing relationship.

The term originated in the Usenet postings of Zhahai Stewart in the 1980s^[1] and was more widely presented in 1993.^[2] This concept is similar to that of limerence, which was first defined in 1979,^[3] but differs in that limerence can also be experienced absent a relationship.

While the dynamics described by NRE apply to all relationships, the term is particularly prevalent in the polyamorous community, as people with multiple concurrent intimate relationships experience new relationship energy alongside more settled ongoing relationships. Adjusting to and compensating for the contrast in affect and excitement between the new and old relationships is considered an important factor in successfully balancing those relationships.^[1] Describing the process in a positive way can help old partners deal with feelings of jealousy towards the new partner, as well as helping the person with a new partner be more understanding and conscious of maintaining their existing relationships.^[4]^{[better source needed]}

New relationship energy is generally^{[clarification needed]} considered desirable, perhaps nearly indispensable in forming deep emotional bonds, but it can also temporarily distort perceptions and judgments and this must be taken into account.^[5] These distortions of perception do not automatically imply that the attraction is unreal or will not last (indeed most lasting romantic bonds do begin with NRE,^{[citation needed]} although this does not mean that most relationships that begin with NRE would lead to lasting romantic bonds because of the complications that can come with the end of NRE), only that the magnitude of these positive feelings is greater than it is likely to be later, and some potential interpersonal problems may seem smaller than they will later become. Caution rather than avoidance or suppression is usually^[when?] suggested in dealing with NRE.^[6]

A less-common variant is new relationship chemistry, which is conceptually similar to NRE except with emphasis explicitly limited to the brain chemistry involved in creating the euphoric feelings, rather than actions and rationalized feelings involved with NRE.^[7]

References

^ ^a ^b Stewart, Zhahai Spring; Cook, Cascade Spring. "New Relationship Energy". aphroweb.net. Aphrodite's Web. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
^ Stewart, Zhahai (2001). "What's all this NRE stuff, anyway?". Loving More magazine. No. 26. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
^ Tennov, Dorothy (1999). Love and limerence: the experience of being in love. Scarborough House. ISBN 978-0-8128-6286-7. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
^ Alexander, Steven (4 April 2005). "Free love gets a fit of the wibbles". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
^ Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love By Helen Fisher, PhD; Henry Holt: February 2004; ISBN 0-8050-6913-5
^ Fox, R. Affirmative Psychotherapy With Bisexual Women And Bisexual Men. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 2006
^ Joreth (2002). "The Inn Between - Polyamory". theinnbetween.net. The Innkeeper. Archived from the original on 10 April 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2016.