Emotional Spring Cleaning

It’s been said that the single reason why we don’t get the life we want is procrastination. This applies to our relationships too. We say things like, “Oh, it’ll get better” or “Let’s wait until after such and such happens and then we can deal with it.” In our relationships especially, if we don’t deal with the clutter, the junk literally piles up between us. Pretty soon the chasm seems too wide and the layers of crap too deep that dealing with it is just too overwhelming (just like all those papers I need to file!).

So…what to do about it? It’s not magic. And, just like spring cleaning, it’s not necessarily fun. It really takes something of us to stop procrastinating and deal with the issues. So—here are the guidelines:

If you notice some of the following (either in yourself or your partner), deal with it within three days. Doing something might include talking to your partner, shifting your attitude or perspective, taking care of yourself, or taking responsibility for something.

- Irritability

- Emotional distance

- Feeling lonely, angry, or hurt

- Wanting to be alone or somewhere else

- Tension, arguing over small things

- Less joy, laughter or fun

- Under a lot of stress

- Needing to talk about an important issue

Dealing with issues swiftly and head on, whether it’s in our relationships or not, helps keep the emotional junk from piling up, leaving you with more energy for fun, connection and…cleaning out those closets!

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