I've called it "getting a new drawer of spoons." There is something about a relationship that gives me more energy, but it doesn't give me more energy for everything. So, I call that "learning to use my new drawer of spoons." I also get different spoons from different relationships; not ever satellite relationship adds the same kinds of spoons (it depends on the person). It takes me a while to figure out what kind of emotional support & stability I get from the relationship, and how to put that energy back into the rest of my life. I think it has to do with having a new person in my support network. Though it's not quite the same with new close friends.

but yes, it consistently IS a thing that happens, for me.

It's also definitely separate from NRE. Had many, many conversations about that last year. Also, discovered that, for me, NRE is something I cannot inherently trust. Those emotions are not necessarily long-term, they may fade or be false. I can also tell the difference between those feelings and ones that will hold longer term.... anyway, no sense in explaining that more right now cuz it's too fucking sad. Needless to say, I was right. I was not, and he was not, experiencing NRE; similar depth, but with actual longevity. Not that it fucking matters now. But it will be interesting to see if we can maintain the support system; so far, yes.