It’s a sort of tradition that after winter, people do some spring cleaning as a way to declutter, start over and get rid of all the things that piled up during winter. This can also apply to relationships. Here are little ways you can spring clean your relationship.   

Have a chat

When you and your partner don’t have any challenges, it’s easy to assume that you’re on the same page and they’re just as happy. Sometimes that might not even be the case. Have a chat with your partner to understand where their headspace is at so that you can know if they’re still happy.  

Change your routine

In winter, many people prefer snuggling and staying indoors because it’s cold. The sun is out now, so change the routine and do things differently. For instance, you can have a picnic in the park. For ideas, read this article: Ways to be intimate with your partner without having sex.

Solve your underlying problems

Whether we like to hear it or not, everyone has their baggage. Couples also accumulate baggage together by not solving their problems. That doesn’t help with anything because you’ll just end up fighting about the same issues, and that’s not what you want if you’re trying to spring clean the relationship. You can also take a look at this article to find out whether the arguments in your relationship are healthy or not.

Value each other’s time

Life can get hectic, especially towards the end of the year because school work piles up and you might have a lot of homework. During this time, it’s easy for your partner to feel like you’re neglecting them. Instead of arguing about it, rather find ways to spend time with them and not neglect your responsibilities. For example, if your partner wants to chill but you have to do your schoolwork, consider having a study date where you can spend time together and still get your schoolwork done.

Recycle the happy moments  

Think about the reasons you fell in love and go back to the basics of doing what you both enjoy. That way, you will have a lot of “good moments” because you’ll keep doing what makes you and your partner happy.  

Get rid of old habits

Loving someone means you want to protect them at all times, but sometimes you can pick up unhealthy habits, like being possessive and jealous or going through their phone. You might think you’re coming from a good place but it’s not okay especially if your partner is not okay with it.  

Spend time apart

Spending time is great, but remember that you had a life before them, so you should be able to spend time apart without feeling like they don’t care about you anymore.  

Know their love language  

Knowing your partner’s love language is important because not only will it give you an idea of what makes your partner happy, but it will also improve communication in your relationship.  

Be empathetic  

Being empathetic can do wonders for your relationship because it’s having the ability to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and see things from their perspective. Not only do you learn to understand their feelings, but it also creates a deeper bond and a strong sense of safety and trust between you. 

Be considerate

Of course, a relationship shouldn’t change who you are, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be considerate of your partner’s feelings. For instance, if you’re usually “overly-friendly”  (in other words, flirtatious) on social media and your partner isn’t okay with it, then be considerate of their feelings and tone it down a bit if they ask you to.

Relationships are different and they all have their challenges. Remember this should be a joint effort between you and your partner so you both continue working towards the same relationship goals. Will you be trying out any of these tips with your partner? Let me know in the comments section below.

In the meantime, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message ,a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).