Overview
Regular relationship check-ins are essential for neurodiverse couples, but many templates focus on problems rather than building connection. Our Weekly Check-In Template creates a structured yet positive framework for couples to share appreciations, address concerns, and plan together—all while accommodating different communication styles and attention spans.
This isn’t another lengthy relationship questionnaire. It’s a streamlined, 20-minute weekly practice that helps prevent small issues from becoming major conflicts while celebrating what’s working in your relationship.
What You’ll Get
- Structured Format: Clear sections that guide conversation flow and prevent overwhelm
- Positive Focus: Starts with appreciations and successes before addressing challenges
- Neurodiverse Adaptations: Modified for different attention spans, communication styles, and processing needs
- Action Planning: Concrete next steps rather than just talking about problems
- Progress Tracking: Simple way to see relationship growth over time
Who This Helps
Ideal For:
- Couples who want to stay connected but struggle with timing or structure
- Partners who avoid difficult conversations until they become crises
- Relationships where one person needs more processing time than the other
- Anyone wanting to build appreciation and prevent small issues from growing
Conditions:
- Particularly helpful for ADHD couples who benefit from external structure
- Great for autistic partners who prefer predictable conversation formats
- Useful for anxious partners who need reassurance about relationship stability
- Adaptable for any neurodiverse combination
How to Use This Tool
Step 1: Preparation (5 minutes)
- Schedule the same time each week (Sunday evenings work well for many couples)
- Choose a comfortable, distraction-free environment
- Each partner takes a few minutes to think through the week
- Have the template ready (printed or on screen)
Step 2: Individual Reflection (5 minutes)
- Each partner privately fills out their appreciation and concern sections
- No discussion yet—this is individual processing time
- Write brief notes, not essays (bullet points are perfect)
- Focus on specific examples rather than general feelings
Step 3: Sharing Together (15-20 minutes)
- Take turns going through each section of the template
- Listen without immediately problem-solving or defending
- Ask clarifying questions if something is unclear
- Save problem-solving for the action planning section
Step 4: Action Planning (5 minutes)
- Choose 1-2 specific things to work on in the coming week
- Make actions concrete and achievable
- Assign clear ownership (who does what by when)
- Schedule follow-up if needed for larger issues
Tips for Success
- Start Small: Use this weekly for a month before deciding if it works for your relationship
- Be Specific: “You helped with dinner Tuesday” is better than “you’re helpful”
- No Ambushing: Only bring up issues during check-in time, not throughout the week
- Celebrate Wins: Always start and end with something positive about your relationship
When to Use
Regular Practice:
- Same day and time each week for consistency
- When both partners are relaxed and not hungry/tired
- Before the week gets too busy or stressful
Crisis Support:
- When small irritations are building up
- After resolving a conflict to prevent recurrence
- Before major life transitions or stressful periods
- When you feel disconnected but aren’t sure why
Sample Questions from the Template
Appreciation Section:
- What did your partner do this week that made you feel loved or supported?
- What strength did you notice in your partner this week?
- What moment made you grateful to be in this relationship?
Connection Section:
- How connected did you feel to your partner this week (1-10 scale)?
- What helped you feel close? What made you feel distant?
- What do you need more/less of in the coming week?
Growth Section:
- What’s one thing you want to work on together?
- How can you better support your partner next week?
- What are you looking forward to in your relationship?
Related Tools
- Communication Scripts for Difficult Conversations
- Conflict Resolution Worksheet
- Couple Goals Planning Template
Get More Support
Nemlys provides automated check-in reminders, conversation starters tailored to your relationship dynamics, and progress tracking to help you build stronger communication habits over time.
Ready to download? Click the download button above to get your free Weekly Relationship Check-In Template and start building stronger communication habits today.