Hey friend,

I’ve been talking with a lot of couples lately, and the same three struggles keep popping up. And honestly? They’re the exact things most couples think they’re “the only ones” dealing with.

So if anything here hits close to home, take a breath. You’re in good company. And I’m giving you a quick tip under each one that can help you shift things today—no call, no commitment, just something you can try.

1. Feeling like you’re not operating as a team ​
   This shows up everywhere right now from mornings, chores, dinner plans, holiday prep, you name it. One person carries more in their head, the other feels blindsided, and both end up frustrated and it comes up in a fight that includes the scorekeeping pattern.
   ​
   ​Instant Win: Tonight, ask each other one simple question: “What’s one thing on your plate this week that I might not realize you’re holding?” You’d be shocked how much tension drops when invisible work gets named out loud.
   ​
2. Conversations that go sideways for no real reason ​
   A normal check-in turns into a fight. A tiny comment sets someone off. It’s usually not about the topic—it’s nervous system overload meeting poor timing.
   ​
   ​Instant Win: When the heat rises, use this:
   ​“Give me a second—I want to keep this productive.”​
   Short. Clear. Protective of both of you.
   If they’re the one who asks for a pause, don’t follow them into the other room with more words. That’s when everything blows up.
   ​
3. Struggling to feel connected when you’re touched out, resentful, or just plain tired ​
   This one is everywhere, especially with parents. You can love your partner deeply and still feel irritated or distant. Overwhelm has a way of shrinking our capacity fast.
   ​
   ​Instant Win: Pick one tiny connection ritual for the next 24 hours. Just one.
   Examples:
   -A 20-second hug
   -Sitting together for the first 5 minutes of the evening before diving into chores
   -Saying “What’s one good thing from today?” before bed
   ​
   Small doesn’t mean insignificant. Your nervous system reads consistency more than it reads grand gestures.

Here’s what I want you to hear before we go into the new week:
Nothing is wrong with you if you’re dealing with one (or all) of these.
Every couple hits these rough spots. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourselves.

If you want support untangling any of this, you can always grab a troubleshooting call with me. No pressure. Just clarity, support, and a plan.

You deserve a relationship that feels lighter and more connected, even in the messy seasons.

Talk soon, Chelsea