Spring time is great time to start organizing.  It’s also wedding season.  What happens when you put the two together?  Well, you might ask this question…

Can you organize your love life?

When Deb asked me that question on behalf of her readers, my initial answer was: No.  Love inherently involves – if not requires – more emotions than logic.  How can you organize feelings?

After further thought, though, I realized that while love can’t be controlled or arranged, you could organize aspects of your love life.  Here are a few tips for those of you in relationships:

1. Schedule quality time with your significant other every week. One friend came to me for advice as to how to reconnect with her husband.  Two jobs, elderly parents and a toddler had understandably increased their stress levels and strained their relationship.  I recommended that they take one hour out of their schedules once a week to spend with each other in a romantic or intimate way.  Just one.  As hectic as their lives were, one hour seemed manageable and helped them reconnect as a couple.

For those of you with more flexibility, make a date with your partner one night a week. Find a romantic activity that you both enjoy and take time for your relationship.  Don’t lose the spark because life gets in the way of love!

2. While you are marking your calendars for couple’s time, make sure that you have special days (birthdays, anniversaries and any other important holiday) on there, too.  Set up reminder alerts for at least two weeks prior to the actual event.

When you are notified that a special day is coming up, take the time to ask your partner how he or she wishes to celebrate.  And then, do just that!  Many a couple has fought because one partner has forgotten an important day or not celebrated in the manner in which the other person had wanted.  Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary conflict later!

3. Take time to inform your partner about your schedule in the short- and long-term. Will you have to work late tomorrow night?  Heading to the golf course, bar or spa with friends?  Have an out-of-town event that you’d like your significant other to attend with you?  Let your partner know by informing him or her as far in advance as you can.

Treat your partner’s schedule with the same amount of respect that you would a superior in the office or your most esteemed relative.  If it’s easier, have a master or separate calendar for the both of you.  Communication when combined with organization leads to less stress and a healthier relationship.

For those of you who are not in a serious relationship, how can you organize your dating life?  Tune in for tips in my next post.

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About the Author

City Girl is a Relationship and Sex Blogger. A lawyer by trade, City Girl started to blog anonymously in December 2008 at the behest of her friends.  She writes about her dating adventures, relationship mishaps and sexcapades.  City Girl also provides relationship and sex advice in response to questions from friends and readers.  She has been featured in K Street Kate, Oh My Goff, Examiner.com, Pamela’s Punch, Nightlife PR DC and a local cable show, The District Dish.  This summer, she will be attending a conference for sex educators and leading workshops in the DC area.

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