NEW YORK (CBS) ― Spring has arrived and flowers aren’t the only thing blooming. Scientific research confirms that during this time of year, more so than any other, love blossoms, too.

“It’s like the winter sleep is over and they wake up fresh and full of energy,” marriage and family therapist Dr. Jane Greer said.

Whether it’s an extra spring in your step or the feeling of love in the air chances are you’re experiencing the symptoms of spring fever right now.

“The flowers, the smells, people laughing, a lot of happy people around,” one New Yorker said.

“I guess being cooped up all winter long, you know, you get kind of juiced up, ready to burst out,” another added.

And while It’s not a confirmed medical condition there is a lot of science behind this so-called seasonal disorder. The research actually shows the onset of spring can really affect your mood, behavior and especially your love life.

“In spring as light increases and days are longer, the melatonin decreases, giving more abundance, more energy and more vitality to people,” Dr. Greer said.

“The spring time actually brings about mood changes which might make it more easy for people to find a new relationship,” sociologist Dr. Julie Albright said.

Albright studies the science of relationships. In winter, when we’re are all bundled up, she says it’s virtually impossible to read each others’ sexual signals. And that’s not all…

“If you’re in a relationship, even if it’s not exactly what you want it to be, there’s a tendency to hold on to it and to stay put rather than to break out and put oneself out there onto the dating front because it’s too alone, it’s too dark in winter to start something new,” Dr. Greer said.

But at the first sign of spring, just like the rest of nature, humans blossom and the biological love clock is restarted.

In fact, statistics show conception is at its highest in the spring. Doctors say it’s linked to a spike in the production of a fertility hormone.

“You kind have a new little lease on life,” said Linda Porter of Love Spring.

Another study found that the more time people spent outside on a sunny spring day the better their mood. The optimal good mood temperature, they found, is 72 degrees.

See original article at WCBSTV.com

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — More people are “going green” these days to do their part to help the environment. But, what if you’re living with someone who isn’t as eco-friendly as you are?

Tania Reuben jumped into the green movement with both feet, even writing a blog as the PureNaturalDiva.com. It’s been an adjustment for her husband Michael.

“In some areas he’s excellent and very cooperative and in other areas I think I make him crazy,” said Tania.

“She was, I think, voted or put in some book as one of the 100 greenest women in America,” said Michael. “I would be put in the book for 100 most miserable men in America.”

He’s half-joking.

“You try to have a discussion about it, but when someone is green there’s no convincing them of any other way,” said Michael. “So I have to sneak things. I have a hidden stash of water bottles.”

While Tania and Michael work things out on their own, some couples need outside help.

Marriage and family therapist, Dr. Jane Greer has seen couples who don’t see eye-to-eye on the “green” thing.

“Like anything that goes on between two people, when one person wants to take new actions and promote health and the other person starts to experiences it as unwelcome change rather than something they’re on board with its inevitably going to create conflict,” said Dr. Jane Greer.

But she says it doesn’t have to be ugly if you approach it right.

“If you’re the person initiating the going green change, talk to your partner about it and present it in a way where you’re offering them a choice,” said Dr. Greer. “Invite them in to participate in the new plan.”

So rather than forcing the change you should explain the potential benefits. If you’re the one forced to go green, Dr. Greer says don’t automatically fight it.

“Ask your partner, ‘Why is it so important? How do you feel it’s going to make our lives better? What does it actually entail? What will I have to do?’ So check it out,” said Dr. Greer.

Either way, Dr. Greer recommends keeping the expectations in check and remember you might not always agree on everything.

“She wanted me to get bamboo underwear,” said Michael.

Dr. Greer says you might want to take baby steps. Try certain green trends and evaluate how they’re going before moving to the next ideas.
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