New Relationship Energy

AKA "NRE"

Our Definition

the strong feeling of excitement and infatuation that is common in the beginning of any new intimate (especially romantic) entanglement.

Real Life Examples

Eileen and Zjazja have been dating for 3 weeks, and are so enamored with one another that all conversations seem to lead back to the topic of their budding relationship. 

Tonya has a rule against making any life-altering decisions regarding a relationship before the NRE is safely in the past.

Common Practices

Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Common  practices involving new relationship energy include, but certainly aren't limited to:

  • Idealizing one’s new partner 
  • The impulse to be around the new partner all the time
  • A collective eye-roll from one’s longtime friends
  • Portrayals in media as the definition of romance (this can be problematic) 
  • Lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a year. 
  • Some individuals experience this phenomenon to greater or lesser degrees. 

Got a beef with our definition?

Of course we don't speak for everyone! If you feel we are missing additional info, context, facts, history, or data, please email us and let us know!


While we can't promise every suggestion will make it, we'll always be working to keep this glossary thorough and inclusive!