Following on from my post “why we have a relationship check in” I wanted to expand on the details of our weekly catch-up and how this helps us communicate.

Why this is useful to us?

This has become such a useful tool in helping Mr Little Green Duckie (Mr LGD) and I to communicate more effectively. It sets aside dedicated time even when things are busy.

Ensuring that practical stuff doesn’t get missed. From who is going where, to whether train tickets have been booked for next weekend.

Provides a space to air issues, or annoyances, that have come up in the previous week in a calm and rational manner. It can be easier to talk about an issue afterwards rather than during.

Fosters understanding and empathy.

Is quick and easy to do where ever we are.

How our weekly catch-up works

This is designed to be inspiration not a template. You need to work out what works for your relationship. That might take time to get it right. Try something for a few weeks, then communicate about what works and what doesn’t. We have a weekly electronic reminder, this contains our list so we don’t forget anything. Ours is normally a Sunday (of course it can be any day) and we make the time to do it.

1. Compliments and gratitude for each other, and the week just gone. This shows we have noticed the things each other does, big or small. Maybe Mr LGD organised the food plan, cleaned the bathroom, or made my packed lunch. We take it in turns, but with no interrupting each other, listening until the other person says they are finished.

A large paper dairy
Gratitude for what happened in the week just gone and each others actions.


2. Diary discussion for the week ahead. What’s happening day by day. Does anything need sorting eg; tickets booking, arrangements clarifying with friends, who is doing this etc. Both put things in to do lists / diaries as needed during the meeting. We find this leads to less misunderstandings!

A phone with text on the screen "to do list" numbers and representational text. A watch lies under the phone.
Currently using Microsoft To Do as our electronic to do list.


3. Express needs for the week ahead. Eg I might need some alone time, or Mr LGD may need help with something. One person may want to discuss an incident that made them feel bad. Or you really need to tell your partner that their habit of leaving the top of the toothpaste tube is really irritating! Again let each other speak until finished, or asked for opinion.


4. End with hugs and kisses. Regular touch (not just in that way!) is more important than you might think. School of Life summarise this in their normal insightful way.

Over to you….

I would love to hear if you start a weekly catch-up and how you find it? How has it helped you communicate with your partner? Or if you already do this, how do you work it?