Have you heard native English speakers use the term ‘honeymoon phase’?
And what is the difference between a honeymoon, a minimoon and a babymoon?
In today’s episode, learn how to use this vocabulary to talk about love, work, and special events in life.
Honeymoon
In today’s episode, Lindsay and Michelle talk about honeymoons.
It is common for a married couple to go on a honeymoon after their wedding in America.
In the movies in the 90’s you would see the couple going straight to their honeymoon right after their ceremony.
But nowadays, newlyweds often go on their honeymoon after a year or so.
Michelle spent her honeymoon in India.
Her wedding was in September, and she went on her honeymoon in January.
Minimoon
Often couples delay their honeymoon until a more convenient time.
Instead they might take a small trip right after the wedding.
This is called a minimoon.
Lindsay did a minimoon where she had a quick trip to Mexico after her wedding.
Then they went on their actual honeymoon to Argentina three months later.
It is very stressful to plan a wedding and adding a big trip after that would be a challenge.
Babymoon
Another trip that is often taken is called a ‘babymoon.’
This is a vacation a couple takes while waiting for the baby to arrive.
Michelle had her babymoon in Rhode Island and indulged in lobster rolls.
New parents do this because it can be hard to travel after having kids.
You can check out this episode about travel by All Ears English: AEE 1203: Flying? How to Ask for a Seat Swap in English
New beginnings
In today’s episode Lindsay and Michelle will be sharing about the term ‘honeymoon’ and the general idea that things are great when you start something.
This word is used to talk about more than the trip taken after marriage.
The beginning phase of anything is usually pleasant and happy.
This term is often used to refer to romantic relationships.
You can visit one of the All Ears English episodes that talks about relationships: AEE 1868: Is She the One? How to Comment On Someone’s Love Life in English
But you can also use the term ‘honeymoon’ to talk about work or when you start projects.
How to use ‘honeymoon’
‘Honeymoon’ is a very versatile expression.
You can use it to refer to many different beginnings.
This is the phase where everything is new and exciting.
It can be the start of a marriage, relationship, or job before everything settles in.
Here are some examples of how you can use the term ‘honeymoon’ in different ways:
#1: Marriage
Example:
“They were in the honeymoon phase for 3 years, but then they started having marital troubles.”
#2: Job
Example:
“She loves her job now, but it’s only been a month, so she’s still in the honeymoon phase.”
#3: Relationship
Example:
“They’ve been dating for three months, so they are still in the honeymoon phase, but I actually think they have a good chance of being in it for the long haul”.
Moving from the honeymoon phase
Lindsay took a business course and it has been running for a while.
At the start, she was really pumped up and excited.
Now, she feels that she is moving out of the honeymoon phase.
She is still interested in doing it but she isn’t as excited about it.
This is where you would say, “I’m no longer in the honeymoon phase.”
Michelle also experienced the honeymoon phase when she moved to New York.
Moving to a new place, she was definitely very excited and wanted to try so many new things.
You may hear a variation of the term ‘honeymoon phase.’
Some may say the following:
- honeymoon stage
- honeymoon period
These all mean the same thing.
Roleplay
Now that you have a better understanding of the term ‘honeymoon’, this roleplay will give you the chance to see it used in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay is telling Michelle about her new relationship.
Michelle: So how is everything going with you guys?
Lindsay: It’s actually really really great.
Michelle: That’s awesome! How long has it been?
Lindsay: Maybe six months. But I’m a little worried we are still in the honeymoon phase. We haven’t had any real issues or had to solve any problems.
Michelle: Enjoy it! Maybe it’s just easy, which is how relationships should be. It may not be a honeymoon stage. Maybe things are just that good!
Lindsay: True! That would be great. I’m really happy. So, maybe not just a honeymoon period.
Travel with a partner
When you are in a relationship, the honeymoon phase can be challenged if you go through a big life-changing situation together.
Lindsay mentions that traveling together can definitely test your compatibility.
When you’re traveling, you can see how your partner reacts to stressful situations.
In the roleplay, you will notice that Lindsay and Michelle used different terms to mean the same thing.
You can use all these options to make the flow of the conversation smooth and natural.
Takeaway
Many expressions in English can be used in different ways.
The term ‘honeymoon’ is not restricted to talking about relationships or marriages.
Honeymoon phases are common in many areas of life.
Try this expression out today.
Use it to make your vocabulary more diverse and make the conversation more interesting.
Have you taken a honeymoon, minimoon or babymoon?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
