Love Quirks

Let’s talk about something most of us need right now—permission to slow down. Did you know animals don’t actually sleep all winter when they hibernate? They just conserve energy for what really matters. Well, guess what? You can do the same during the holiday chaos. It’s okay to scale back, prioritize a few must-dos, and keep a backup list for those spontaneous holiday feels. Trust me, this is you...

Let’s face it—December is basically a sprint through a maze of twinkling lights, gift bags, and way too much eggnog. But here’s the deal: the holidays don’t have to feel like a stress marathon. This year, I’m here to help you manifest a merrier season filled with joy, connection, and just enough chaos to keep it fun. Spoiler alert: Part 2 is coming next week, so stay tuned! Today, we’re talking ab...

You know that electric vibe that fills the air before a big event? That’s the kind of energy I want us to talk about today—how to set the vibe in our relationships! I kicked today's episode off with a story about celebrating my friend’s birthday. From group texts hyping up the party to little moments of shared excitement, it reminded me how the effort we put into building connection can set the to...

This week, we're diving deep into the quicksand of "stuckness" and how to wriggle our way out with inspired action! Last episode, we chatted about why we stay in that all-too-familiar rut? Well, today, I'm exploring what it really takes to break free. Spoiler: it's not by adding more things to our to-do lists. I'm talking about those small, joyful actions that genuinely spark something in us—actio...

Ever feel like you're stuck in a relationship rut, hustling through tasks without any joy or clarity? Trust me, you're not alone! In today's episode, I had an amazing chat with Candy Motzek a coach’s coach about how to shake off that drudgery and take inspired action in your life and relationships. Candy and I dive into the four types of action that affect our lives: passive, inaction, forced, and...

You know that moment when a small disagreement suddenly snowballs into a full-blown argument? Let’s nip that in the bud before it gets there! Today I’m sharing my favorite tips for handling arguments before they turn into a brick wall between you and your partner. We’re diving into my CAKE model—Communication, Affection, Mindfulness, and Energy—to keep things light and loving. Even when things hea...

Ever notice how even the most ordinary things can feel a little extra special when you're doing them with the right person? While I've been soaking up the sunshine and enjoying more time with my partner, I’ve been thinking about just that. It’s funny how something like grocery shopping or making dinner—tasks that normally feel like chores—can become fun and meaningful when you’re doing them with s...

Hey, friends! With Canadian Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to dive into a topic that can sometimes be a bit... tricky—relationships with in-laws. We all know family gatherings can be a mix of gratitude and, well, a little stress, especially when it comes to navigating those extended family dynamics. But here’s the thing, a lot of that tension can come from h...

Hey there, lovebirds! Crystal here with a little relationship tip that’s sure to warm some hearts. Writing love notes or letters to your partner is such a beautiful way to boost affection and vulnerability in your relationship. It's a sweet reminder of what you adore about each other and why you’re so grateful to have them in your life. Plus, it’s like giving your partner a keepsake of your love t...

Today we're talking about something so simple yet so powerful: turning into your partner’s bids for connection and communication. You know those moments—when your partner shares a random story, sends you a meme, or even gives you a quick hug in passing? These are all little bids for attention and connection, and responding to them is key. Sometimes we get so caught up in our busy routines that we...

In part two of our expectations deep dive, we’re circling back to how expectations can either make or break a relationship. First up, the red flags of unrealistic or uncommunicated expectations: things can spiral into conflict, create a “me vs. you” vibe, lead to disappointment, and even devalue the hard work your partner’s already putting in. Ouch! But it’s not all doom and gloom! There are some...

On today’s episode, we dive into the tricky terrain of expectations in relationships . You know, those little things that can make or break the entire vibe. It turns out, mismatched or unrealistic expectations—whether about our partners or about how we think a relationship should be—can really shake the foundation and leave us feeling disappointed or even resentful. But don't worry, there’s a brig...

Today, we're tackling the age-old question: counselling or coaching for relationships? Counselling delves into the past, while coaching, like at Sparked Forever, focuses on building skills for the future. If you're working on personal goals, go solo, but for relationship issues, it's best to bring your partner along. Going solo can lead to separate ideas and a tug-of-war dynamic. Remember, fixing...

Welcome back! Last time, we delved into the importance of understanding our centers in relationships. Today, we're building on that by exploring how our centers influence communication by breaking down the difference between perspective-taking and understanding our centers in relationships. Perspective-taking is about seeing things from another's viewpoint, influenced by mood and context. Meanwhil...

Have you ever struggled with communication issues? Turns out, it might run deeper than you think. Let's talk about identity. We all center ourselves around something, whether it's family, work, or personal goals. But what happens when our centers clash with those close to us? Think about it: if your center is family, but your partner's is work, there's bound to be some friction, right? Understandi...

We're diving into why the word "we" is a game-changer in relationships. Using "we" when you're telling stories or tackling problems as a couple is like hitting the relationship jackpot. It makes you feel like a team, and that's a big deal. Research backs it up: Couples who naturally throw around "we" tend to have happier, healthier relationships. They're more satisfied, stick together longer, and...

In this episode, we delve into part 2 of Partnering Not Parenting and how the parenting dynamic can impact communication between partners. Often, messages intended to be kind can be misinterpreted as nagging or criticism due to the ingrained roles of"controlling parent" and "petulant teenager." This dynamic can lead to a lack of affection, leaving emotional cups empty and draining energy. The solu...

Welcome to today's podcast! Ever found yourself inadvertently parenting your partner? It's a common issue that can lead to imbalance and strain in relationships. This dynamic often stems from past experiences, insecurities, or a breakdown in trust. But fear not, it's possible to shift towards a more equal partnership by asking tough questions and addressing underlying issues. By fostering mutual r...

Today, let's talk about handling misunderstandings and miscommunications. It's crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent resentment and foster successful communication. Before diving in, take a moment to process your own feelings: pause, label, accept, and be compassionate with yourself. When initiating the conversation, approach it collaboratively to avoid defensiveness. And don't forge...

On today's episode, we're tackling the issue of loneliness. Did you know a staggering 76% of adults in North America feel disconnected, even if they're in a relationship? Sometimes, it's because we forget to lean on our partners for social support, or we're holding onto unresolved feelings. But here's the deal: treating your partner like a best friend is crucial. Forget surface-level friendships,...

It's often easier to focus on what annoys us about our partner than what we appreciate. This could be due to our tendency to notice annoyances more readily or unresolved anger. We're wired to notice obstacles rather than smooth sailing, which can skew our perspective. However, addressing annoyances promptly is vital. If left unprocessed, they accumulate and strain the relationship, leading to a de...

In today's podcast, I explore the importance of self-care and couples' routines for maintaining energy levels and nurturing relationships. Sharing three simple actions: couples breathing, handholding, and smiling at each other. These practices promote relaxation, release oxytocin, and trigger 'honeymoon' hormones, fostering intimacy and well-being. Prioritizing these small gestures can lead to sig...

Today, I am redefining love as more than just words or feelings. Love, according to the CAKE model, comprises Affection and Energy. Affection isn't merely verbal; it's shown through actions that embody love. Relying solely on words can lead to disconnected relationships. Understanding our love languages helps infuse action into our expressions of love. These actions are forms of energy that streng...

We're reimagining Valentine's Day as Vulnerability Day! How vulnerability strengthens relationships by sharing our emotions, mistakes, and dreams which fosters trust and deeper connections. It's about creating a safe space for authenticity and growth, both individually and together. I share a few suggestions to try to increase opportunities to be vulnerable including trying something together outs...

Communication itself is neutral, but how we use it matters. I share two key communication strategies for enhancing moments of love. First, sharing comments leading up to special moments creates positive settings, fostering micro-moments of connection. Second, engaging in reminiscing. When you reminisce as a couple, especially about those epic moments, you're not just reliving the past—you're build...