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 hits differently—it feels physical, emotional, even existential. I’ll walk you through how to spot when it’s your values doing the arguing, not you and your love of life, and how getting curious, sharing perspectives, and identifying both personal and shared values can turn those exhausting fights into meaningful connection. Let’s find the thing under the thing and get back to being on the same team.

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 been part of human connection since caveman days, and bringing that energy into your love space can boost your emotional, mental, and relationship health. Whether it’s a seasonal staycation, a silly song you blast before date night, or a once-a-year vow remix over coffee in bed, I’m sharing tips and ideas to help you create rituals that ground your love, celebrate your story, and keep you totally sparked.

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 you’re walking on eggshells trying not to trigger your partner, this episode is all about finding understanding, humor, and a plan. I share how to label it, talk about it (yes, even the hard parts), and co-create a safe, kindful plan so your love space can thrive instead of spiral. Let’s keep that spark alive without letting fear steal the mic.

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 dynamics of how you communicate, collaborate, and show up in your love space. It’s about shifting from “if only they would…” to “how can we grow together?”—because real relationship magic happens when both people are tweaking, teaming up, and showing up with shared effort, not a one-sided renovation plan.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 (aka the feel-good stuff). But it’s not always smooth sailing! Without presence, active listening, and follow-through, things can get rocky fast—cue emotional reactivity and unspoken resentment. So let’s chat about how to work together with more clarity, communication, and kindfulness. Trust me, your next team-up—whether it's planning a trip or just doing the dishes—might just get a whole lot smoother.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!



Mentioned Resources:

Episodes 15 & 16 Partnering not Parenting

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 daily eye rolls (aka contempt grenades), it’s time to stop DIY-ing your love life and call in support. These aren’t just bad habits—they’re symptoms of deeper issues that need a kind and curious third-party perspective (hi, it’s me!) to start real repair. Let’s get you back to sparked—not stuck.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!



About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 parenting styles can drift apart without us even noticing. But don’t worry, it’s not about being right or wrong—it’s about recognizing your patterns, finding understanding for each other’s reactions, and building a true parenting collaboration that works for your family. Because yes, parenting is hard, but doing it as a team makes it a whole lot more joyful.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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—can shift your whole financial vibe. Because let’s face it: money fights aren’t really about money. They’re about safety, values, and whether we’re building love-space foundations or brick walls. So let’s get comfy being a little vulnerable, have the convo before the next hiccup, and start making money part of the dream, not the drama.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcast.

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 under the thing: fear, control, self-sufficiency, or some past yuck they haven’t unpacked yet. Just like April showers bring May flowers, these relationship “showers” can actually help us grow if we meet resistance with curiosity, kindness, and a little affection. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to make that love space feel less like a storage closet and more like a cozy living room.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Pod

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 notion of putting "work" into relationships and advocate for redirecting focus towards investing "energy" into connections. Any relationship tip or activity, such as a date night, is not a fundamental piece of human relationships- it’s a detail which allows you to personalize your relationship based on what fills up your unique CAKE pieces—Communication, Affection, Kindfulness, and Energy.

The CAKE acronym serves as a guide, breaking down essential elements of human connections. Communication involves the exchange of messages, Affection focuses on the giving, receiving, and growth of love actions, Kindfulness emphasizes being mindful and kind in interactions, and Energy addresses the importance of managing and replenishing energy in relationships.

Relationships are an adventure—ready for a check-in? Take this fun quiz to see how strong your bond is & discover new ways to keep the spark alive!

About the Host:

Meet Crystal, your relationship and social health coach. Crystal is the founder of Sparked Forever Relationship & Singles coaching. She started her journey supporting the neurodiverse community in navigating this, sometimes frustrating, neurotypical social world. Lessons and inspiration from her earlier work drives Crystal’s passion for bringing couples and singles together through acceptance, understanding and big picture thinking to grow vibrant relationships. Crystal understands that the foundation for our social health and well-being starts with making connections to others. When Crystal is not working with couples, she loves to be out on adventures with her partner and bonus kids or spending time connecting with friends over good food and fun music.

Links:

https://sparkedforever.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkedforever/

https://www.instagram.com/sparkitsocial/

https://www.tiktok.com/@sparked_forever

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Pod