Spring is Here: Let’s Get Your Relationship Cleaned Up

Spring is here! What a lovely time of year (minus the allergies). It’s symbolic of new life, renewal and growth. The leaves are turning green and the flowers are blooming.

Spring cleaning is a very common thing for people to do this time of year. It involves freshening up the home, re-organizing and even deep cleaning for some people. Why not do the same for your relationship? Fortunately for you, I’ve created a checklist to help you spring clean and give your relationship new life.

Assess the Problem and Your Needs

I invite you to take a closer look at your relationship, perhaps the parts that have been neglected all winter long. Start with using this tool to help you understand where you are and what areas of your relationship really need extra attention.

Clear the Clutter

Detox your relationship by getting rid of the things that keep you from feeling more connected. Are you spending too much time on social media in your partner’s presence? Can you adjust your schedule to not work as many late evenings and come home earlier? Together, look at the things you both desire and explore what’s getting in the way of that and take action.

Redefine Roles and Responsibilities

Sometimes couples get stuck in a rut. They continue doing what they’re doing, not because it’s working well, but because it’s familiar. Think about your routines and responsibilities. Is it working well? What can be improved? Think about your responsibilities and ask for what you need. Are you tired of being responsible for paying the bills and you want your partner to take this task on instead? Or maybe you’d rather pick up the kids and your significant other does the drop off.

Tools to Use for Spring Cleaning

When spring cleaning, some people are very particular about what products they use. Either because they’ve been using it a long time and like the results or because it’s convenient or cost efficient. Some will only use natural cleaners while others are less concerned about that. The point is they know what they’re using and why.

Know what works for your relationship. What is something that you both use to do in the past, that worked really well, but you no longer do? Consider re-visiting that and re-integrating it again. Did you use to have more regular date nights?  Or maybe you use to make dinner together once a week or even eat dinner together more often. Whatever it is, try to figure it out and find ways to create space in your relationship for more of what you’ve found success with in the past.

Maintaining Your Work

If you’ve truly done spring cleaning before you know it’s a lot of work. Don’t let your hard work go to waste. It’s a lot easier to maintain what you’ve cleaned up than to let the mess build again requiring another deep cleaning. Resolve now to maintain your spring cleaning, being sure to regularly check in on what your relationship needs.

You’ve got this! Like with any big task, break it down into smaller more manageable steps. It’s amazing how a few regular dedicated minutes on a specific area of your relationship can make a big difference.

Kerri-Anne Brown

Hi, I'm Kerri-Anne and I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, FL. I help individuals and couples who are living with fertility challenges, perinatal loss, birth trauma and difficulties with postpartum adjustments. Please feel free to reach out anytime.