Relationship Spring Cleaning Guide

Spring is in the air…again…and, hopefully, it’s here to stay. The days are becoming longer, brighter and cheerier, and with that, we begin to feel more energized and inspired with the sense of renewal. Spring cleaning anyone?

It’s also a great time for us to take stock of our relationships. After a winter of hibernation, we are becoming awake with passion and zest for life. Does our relationship still fill us up? Does it still nourish our souls? Or does it need a little dusting off and airing out?

Not to worry! We scoured our archives and pulled together for you the ultimate Relationship Spring Cleaning Guide!

Are things getting stodgy and dull in the romance department? Is the company of your significant other no longer sets your heart on fire?  Has Your Monogamous Relationship Become Monotonous? gives the breakdown of ‘rules’ for a great date nights and explores how different styles of sexual intimacy can enrich your romantic life.

If you are struggling with ideas for your date night or looking to spice things up in the bedroom, we recommend these two books, which offer tear-away scenarios that are marked ‘For His Eyes’ and ‘For Her Eyes’, allowing you to surprise and delight each other:

Are you looking to woo and sweep your partner off their feet? Look no further than How to Write a Love Letter, which provides an outline for a sentimental and thoughtful memento that is sure to make an impact! And if epistolary expression of love is not your thing, check out 25 Ways To Show Love That Beat Flowers and Chocolate (and possibly jewelry!) for ideas and inspiration.

Are you feeling disconnected from your partner? Is there conflict, criticism or sense of loneliness? Fighting and bickering are common signs of lost connection. There is a better way to let your partner know that you miss them and seek closeness. Re-connect by following the 5 steps outlined in Change Your Dance: How To Get Out Of Your Negative Cycle And Reconnect.

If you feel unloved despite your partner’s best efforts (or vice versa: you KNOW you are trying, but they just don’t seem to ‘get it’), then you absolutely must read How To Love Your Partner Best: "The Five Love Languages" Way. The problem might be as simple as the difference in how to experience love. You may be showering your partners with words of praise, while what they really want from you is quality time.
 
Here’s a tweetable straight from Want To Grow Closer as a Couple? Do this…:

 You will never be satisfied with your relationship if you feed it crumbs. Tweet this.

The easiest way to “feed” your relationships is to show your partner appreciation and gratitude. Janice Kaplan talks about the transformative power of gratitude in her relationship with her husband in her book The Gratitude Diaries, a delightfully easy read which we highly recommend.

So, what are you going to do to spruce up your relationship this spring? Let us know in the comments below!