~first~ and ~second~, the challenge for a relationship between these cycles is to maintain a feeling of belonging. There are big differences between the way the 1 and the 7 affect an individual, but one thing they have in common is that both cycles increase the awareness of independence and individuality. During this period, you are both likely to feel a little distance in your relationship, which is not necessarily negative - in fact it may actually strengthen your partnership. However, if your expectation is that you will spend a great deal of time together, share everything, and that nothing will change, your experience may fall short. The wise thing to do is to accept the fact that you will probably move apart somewhat during this period as a temporary and necessary part of your personal growth.

~first~, a 1 in this position indicates you will be focused on your career or other goals, busily taking advantage of opportunities for progress. ~second~'s attention will be focused inward toward spiritual and mental growth. ~second~ is going through a period of self-discovery and needs to spend time alone as part of that process. 

Although different in nature, you both have individual needs that require focusing more on yourself and less on your partner. This may make you feel as if the relationship is weakening. However, unless you turn it into an issue this should not be the case. If you accept the fact that your partner's attention is focused elsewhere, you will find that this period offers growth for both of you as individuals, but not at the cost of the relationship.