One of the most alluring stages of romance occurs early on when the object of your attraction remains a mystery. You know enough to be captivated, but there is so much more still to be learned.

Think of this phase of the relationship as similar to entering the great room of a private castle. Within the large entryway, several hallways lead off in various directions, each having doorways to sundry rooms.

Behind every door, there are secrets that most people have never seen because few are ever invited to venture that far within the castle walls.

Some of these rooms contain past heartaches, and others hold memories of hard-won victories from years past. Down another hall are doors opening to rooms with passions and dreams so big they make the owner of those ambitions blush.

Within the life of each person, these carefully guarded doorways exist. The act of letting someone into these rooms requires lowering one’s guard.

Vulnerability is the price everyone must pay if they are to be genuinely known.

With this in mind, it is easy to see that the way you respond to what is discovered after being invited in will determine if the romance grows or withers away.

It would be easy to assume from this insight that the best way to advance your relationship, in this early phase, is to engage in relentless self-disclosure. Let your new love interest know you better and observe their........

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