Welcome to SR. You have found a great place with lots of ES&H (Experience, Strength and Hope) from folks who have been where you are or are where you are.
As to your question, the 'suggestion' is:
"No MAJOR CHANGES the first year."
Now that has evolved somehow into: "no relationships the first year." NO
If one is in a relationship, has a job, has a place to live, NO MAJOR CHANGES unless one of the above is JEOPARDIZING SOBRIETY. Now if one is not in a relationship, the first year is not a good time to get into one.
Those that are in committed relationships, usually the SO or Spouse is encouraged to go to Al-anon or counseling to help themselves, as the alcoholism has a WIDE affect on those around the alcoholic.
It is important for the SO or Spouse to understand fully that the alcoholic will be taking a lot of their 'we' time to work on themself time, but I have seen relationships get through this as the partner is usually working on themselves also.
Please keep posting and let us know how YOU are doing as we do care very much.
Love and hugs,