Love Quirks

If you’ve ever had a fight about something totally ridiculous—like pizza toppings or throw pillows—there’s a good chance it wasn’t actually about pizza or pillows. In this episode, I’m unpacking how so many of our relationship fights aren’t really about what we’re fighting over, but why —and spoiler alert, it usually comes down to our core values. When our values (not just our opinions) clash, it...

If you’ve ever skipped celebrating your anniversary because “you’re just not into the Hallmark thing,” it might be time to try something a little more you—like creating your own love ritual! In this episode, I’m inviting you to get quirky and intentional by crafting a new love ritual—or refreshing an old one—to celebrate your relationship in a way that’s meaningful, not manufactured. Rituals have...

Ever felt like your partner’s “harmless feedback” hit you like a punch in the gut? You might not just be sensitive—you might be neuro-spicy. In this episode, I’m diving into the deep end of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)—what it is, how it shows up in your love space, and how it could be quietly sabotaging your connection. Whether you’re the one feeling overwhelmed by perceived rejection or...

If your relationship feels like a never-ending DIY project and you keep wishing your partner would just “get it together”—this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m unpacking the difference between wanting to change your spouse and wanting to change your relationship. We dive into the unchangeables—like personality traits, core values, and past experiences—and contrast them with the very changeable...

Ever tried to build furniture with your partner and ended up questioning your entire relationship? Most of us have been there! In this episode, I’m diving into the quirks of teamwork and why it's both the secret sauce and the occasional splinter in our relationships. Teamwork isn’t just about getting things done—it's a powerful booster for our social health, giving us hits of dopamine and oxytocin...

If your relationship feels more like roommates with tension than romance with connection—this one’s your wake-up call. In this final April Showers episode, I’m sharing the three big signs your relationship might be in a ditch—and why trying to climb out alone isn’t always enough. Whether you’re constantly missing each other’s mood and energy, avoiding touch like it’s contagious, or tossing out dai...

Turns out, adding a tiny human to your love space also adds a whole lot of opinions, emotions... and parenting debates at the checkout line. In this episode, we’re getting real about how parenting can shake up your relationship dynamic—even when you both have the same values. From tag-teaming tantrums to realizing your kiddo’s got each of you wrapped around a different finger, I talk about how our...

If talking about money with your partner makes you want to hide under a blanket and pretend rent pays itself—this one’s for you. This week, we’re talking all things money —the arguments, the awkwardness, and the big ol’ feelings hiding underneath it all. I break down the six money personalities (spoiler: you might be a pleaser!), and share how understanding your spending style—and your partner’s—c...

Ever tried planning a romantic date night and your partner acts like you suggested skydiving with no parachute? Yeah, that. In this episode, I’m diving into the murky waters of relationship resistance—what to do when your partner seems allergic to connection, new ideas, or (gasp) counseling. I talk about how this kind of pushback isn’t really about the date night or the therapist—it’s the thing un...

Welcome to our love space—today, I'm resharing a short and sweet episode on adding some "CAKE" to your date nights and bringing more communication, affection, and energy into your Mega Moments of Love this Spring Fling. Join us as we explore the transformative power of "Big Picture" thinking in relationships, emphasizing how it brings freedom, energy, and confidence. We challenge the outdated noti...

Spring is here, and you know what that means—it’s time for a Spring Fling ! No, not that kind of fling—we’re talking about falling back in love with your love of life by bringing fresh energy into your relationship. Studies show that couples who try new, exciting activities together report higher relationship satisfaction—because let’s be real, nobody wants to feel like they’re just roommates on a...

Alright, friends, it’s time to get our hands a little dirty—in the best way possible! Last episode, we tackled spring cleaning our relationships, clearing out what no longer serves us. Now, we’re shifting gears and planting some relationship seeds! Think of it like a garden—what do you want to nurture and grow in your love space? Maybe it's better communication, more affection, or being extra kind...

We’re coming up on spring, and you know what that means, spring cleaning season is upon us! But I’m not just talking about your closets; it’s time to do the same for your relationship. In this episode, we’re diving into the art of decluttering your love letting go of the habits, patterns, and energy that no longer serve your dynamic. I’ll walk you through seven reflection questions to help you and...

Ever feel like you're talking in circles with your partner, or like every conversation turns into a battle for who’s right? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down some sneaky communication traps that can quietly sabotage your relationship like the need to be right, letting big emotions take over problem-solving, and rushing to defend yourself instead of truly listening. But don’t wor...

Have you ever heard that the first year of marriage is the hardest? Well, there's a reason for that! Marriage isn’t just a celebration—it’s an identity shift. You go from being a dating couple to a married couple, and that transition takes time. But here's the secret: being intentional about your relationship after the big day keeps the spark alive. Just like you planned your wedding, you need to...

Ever find yourself in a “prickle exchange” with your partner—where every little thing sets you off, and suddenly you’re both just trading jabs (or icy silence)? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: those prickly moments are usually pointing to something deeper. In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on what’s really going on when negativity sneaks into a relationship. Maybe it’s unspoken ne...

You know I love a good two-for-one deal, right? Well, in this final episode of our Love Space Creation series, we’re talking about making powerful shifts in your relationship—and guess what? These same ideas apply to life in general! If we can improve one area, we get to level up everywhere. It’s like a life hack for love, and I am so here for it. We dive into the small but mighty actions that mov...

Hey love bugs! Ready for another slice of that love space CAKE? Today, we’re layering on the “K”—kindfulness! We’re diving into how being present, open, empathetic, and generous can sweeten your relationship and bring you closer to that dream “love space” we’ve been building for 2025. Whether it’s putting down your phone when your partner walks in or embracing radical generosity instead of keeping...

When’s the last time you hugged your partner just because? This episode is all about creating a love space you adore by getting crystal clear on what makes you and your partner feel loved. Whether it’s acts of kindness, sweet words, or those cozy hugs, affection isn’t just about action—it’s also about meaningful, non-sexual physical touch. And here’s the science-y magic: regular physical affection...

Today’s episode, I’m diving headfirst into our Love Space Cake, made up of Communication, Affection, Kindfulness, and Energy (CAKE!). We’re slicing into that big, juicy “C” layer—communication—and exploring how it’s the foundation for a relationship that’s not just sweet but downright delicious! If you’ve been wondering how to keep your connection simple and sparkly, you’re in the right place. We’...

Ever wonder how to create a love space that feels like home? Today, we’re dreaming big about building a universe of connection with the love of your life. Forget the pressure of resolutions; this is all about designing a vision for your relationship that’s full of joy, calm, and those little spark-worthy moments. I’ll guide you through how to brainstorm and tap into your creativity—whether it’s wi...

Hey, lovebirds! Ready to ditch those doomed New Year’s resolutions and lean into something better? I’m Crystal, and in this first episode of 2025—and my second season of Love Quirk —we’re talking about creating thriving, sparked relationships without the pressure of overnight overhauls. Here’s the deal: resolutions fail because you can’t magically transform overnight, and neither can your relation...

“Bah, humbug” to boring date nights! This week, I’m channeling my inner Dickens as we explore the ghosts of date night past, present, and future. Together, we’ll dive into how those magical early days of trying to impress each other can inspire a fresh spark today—and keep our relationships thriving tomorrow. Because let’s face it: the ghost of date night present might be stuck in pajamas on the c...

Are you running the holidays or are the holidays running you? If you’ve ever felt like the personal assistant of your relationship—managing schedules, planning meals, and magically ensuring everyone’s holiday joy—this episode is for you. It’s so easy for couples to fall into that trap, where one person takes on the mental load while the other gets to enjoy the festivities. But here’s the good news...

Today we’re diving into the power of those tiny, everyday moments—what I like to call ‘micro moments’ of love. Picture this: a quick smile, a shared laugh, or even just making eye contact. These little interactions don’t just brighten your day; they’re scientifically proven to release oxytocin (a.k.a. the bonding hormone) and chip away at stress. I mean, who wouldn’t want more of that? But let’s b...