What does this scene, which follows a significant fight and possible breakup, demonstrate about Knapp's Stage Model of Relational Development? Every couple goes through every stage of the model in order. Couples might go back and forth between different stages of the model over time. Once a couple begins to come apart, there is no way for them to repair the relationship and return to a satisfying relationship. Once a couple goes through all five of the stages of coming together, their relationship is guaranteed to work for life.