Couples Workbook: What's Inside
Closer — The Couples Workbook is a printable, fill-in workbook for two that turns "we should talk more" into short, structured conversations. This page walks through what is inside, in the order you'd use it, so you can decide whether it fits you. It is a workbook for communication and connection. It is not treatment, and nothing in it is a test you can fail.
At a glance
| Part | What it is | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Start Here | A five-minute first conversation, six ground rules and an "Our starting point" page | 5–20 minutes |
| Part 1: Know Each Other | 112 conversation questions in eight categories, a Love Styles mini-test and an Intimacy Map | Your pace |
| Part 2: 12-Week Plan | One 15-minute task per week | 15 minutes a week |
| Weekly Check-Ins | 30 conversations of 15 minutes, with pulse checks | 15 minutes |
| Fight Better | Five scripts, rules for fighting fair and an after-a-fight debrief | As needed |
| 52 Date Nights | One per week, by season, with a question to bring | An evening |
| Shared Journal | Ten pages to pass back and forth | 10–20 minutes |
| 30 Difficult Conversations | Topics to talk about before they become problems | 30–45 minutes |
Start Here
The workbook opens with the page "Your first 5 minutes," so you can start the night you get it. Six ground rules set the tone for the rest, and an "Our starting point" page lets you each note where you are today. A separate Quick-Start Guide in the bonuses has eight short pages and a gentle first week, day by day. It also includes a page for what to do if your partner isn't interested.
Part 1: Know Each Other
This part has three tools:
- 112 conversation questions in eight categories: hopes and dreams, childhood, money, family, fun and play, the future, affection and values. Each category has 14 questions with space to write. The structure follows the idea that gradual, mutual disclosure builds closeness.
- Love Styles mini-test. Twenty pairs of statements that help you find your preferences, a results page and cards that describe what each love style looks like.
- The Intimacy Map. Five scales covering closeness, rituals, affection (non-sexual), time together, and words and appreciation, with a summary page and a page for reading your map. "Intimacy" here refers to emotional closeness.
Part 2: The 12-week plan
A plan with one 15-minute task per week, in an order that builds from light to deeper. You tick the tasks, write one takeaway and repeat. It exists so you don't have to decide what to do next.
Weekly check-ins
Thirty check-ins of about 15 minutes each, with themes such as gratitude, energy, money mood, home team, quality time, stress, affection, communication, trust, conflict, romance, planning, boundaries, play and celebration. A pulse check page appears every five check-ins. Read about the format in relationship check-in questions.
Fight Better
Five scripts for the moments that matter: pausing a discussion, a soft start-up, repair in the middle of a fight, a complete apology and coming back after a fight. A page for your own rules for fighting fair and an after-a-fight debrief sheet round out the section.
52 date nights, a shared journal and 30 difficult conversations
The date nights are grouped by winter, spring, summer and fall, with a question for each. The shared journal has ten pages, such as Our Story So Far, Gratitude Page, Our Home and A Letter to My Partner. The difficult conversations include money, in-laws, kids, chores, mental load, jealousy and trust, time with friends, moving, career goals, health and habits, social media and privacy, spirituality and values, aging and care, and your relationship vision. Each has guide questions and a place to write your agreement.
Bonuses and gifts
Six bonuses are included with the workbook:
- 365 Days of Connection, a daily prompt for each day with a theme per month
- Money Talks for Couples, eight guided conversations, a shared budget and a savings tracker
- 120 Appreciation and Love Note Cards
- Our Couples Bucket List, 100 ideas with a planner and memory sheets
- The 5-Minute Quick-Start Guide
- Check-In Pocket Cards, 48 cut-out cards: 24 for weekly check-ins and 24 with phrases for repair moments
Three gifts unlock as you go: the Anniversary and Special Dates Planner, the Busy Weeks and Long-Distance Edition, and 20 Guided Love Letter Templates.
The Closer app
A companion web app includes six tools: Check-In, Question Deck, Date Ideas, Mini-Test, Repair and Tracker. You can use it alongside the PDFs.
What is not included
Some related products are separate paid add-ons, not part of the workbook: the Couples Game Night Pack, the Reconnect After a Rough Patch Sheets, the Closer as Parents Pack and the 30-Day Repair Plan. The workbook does not include therapy, diagnosis or medical or financial advice.
Who it's for
- Couples who want a structure to talk more and reconnect.
- Partners who prefer pen and paper or a guided format to open-ended chats.
- Couples preparing for a big step, like moving in or marriage.
- Busy couples who want 15 minutes at a time.
It may not suit you if you are looking for clinical help, if there is fear or abuse in the relationship, or if one partner isn't willing to take part. See do couples workbooks work for a balanced view, and couples worksheets printable if you only need individual sheets.
How to start in five minutes
- Open the Quick-Start Guide, then go to "Your first 5 minutes" in the workbook.
- Read the six ground rules together.
- Fill in "Our starting point," each on your own.
- Pick any conversation to begin. You don't have to go in order.