New Year's Resolutions for Couples: Make this Your Best Year Yet!

It’s the start of a new year, and what better time to make resolutions to improve our relationships? Whether you’re single, committed, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to take your love life up a notch.

Whether it is increasing quality time together or learning better communication skills, there are many ways to ensure this year is the best for your relationship. 

Take Time To Have Fun Together 

Relationships are all about having fun together. Make sure you take time out of your hectic schedules to do something fun and silly, like a hike or play board games together. It could be something as simple as going on a picnic in the park or ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant. The bottom line is that having fun together can help you stay connected and foster an even stronger bond. 

Communicate Effectively 

Communication is key in any relationship, so make sure you talk openly and honestly throughout this year. This means listening when your partner speaks and talking about important topics such as goals and plans for the future. A great way to practice effective communication is by setting aside specific times during the week when you can check in without interruption or distraction. This will ensure your voices are heard and respected in the relationship.

To help you out, I’ve created an Effective Communication Guide that walks you through the Six Principles of Effective Communication, your rights in relationships, and how to communicate assertively (not passively or aggressively). The Guide even helps you create a script you can use the next time you have something important you need to say. 

Set Relationship Goals Together 

Setting goals with your partner is a great way to increase motivation and keep each other accountable all year. These goals don’t have to be huge or life-changing—they can be small tasks like cooking dinner together twice a week or reading a book together every month. These goals will help keep you on track and remind you why it’s important to prioritize your relationship this year!

Having shared goals will give you something fun and exciting to work towards as a team and help create lasting memories.

Be More Intimate

Intimacy doesn’t just refer to sex—it’s about any physical or emotional connection you share with your partner. If you feel like you and your partner have become more like roommates than lovers, make an effort to be more intimate. This can mean anything from cuddling on the couch to holding hands while you walk down the street to sharing something emotionally vulnerable.

Show Your Appreciation

One way to keep your partner feeling loved and appreciated is to express gratitude for them regularly. Whether telling them how much you appreciate their cooking or thanking them for always being there for you, a few kind words can go a long way in making your partner feel valued.

Resolve to Be More Patient: Learn to compromise

If you are getting easily frustrated with your partner, make a conscious effort to be more patient with them in the new year. Everyone has different quirks and habits that can be irritating at times, but remember that nobody’s perfect—including you! By learning to accept your partner’s imperfections, you can help create a stronger, more loving bond between you.

Relationships aren’t always easy—there will be disagreements and times when neither person is willing to budge or compromise on an issue. But ultimately, successful relationships are those where both parties are willing to meet each other halfway from time to time. This year, resolve to practice compromise more often by being open-minded about decisions involving both partners, even if it means going outside your comfort zone occasionally.

Make Time for Yourself

It’s important to remember that you are an individual as well as part of a couple, so don’t forget to make time for yourself in the new year. Whether taking up a new hobby or simply taking some time each week to read or take a bath in peace, carving out some “me time” will help prevent burnout and keep you refreshed and recharged.

Be More Spontaneous

One of the best ways to keep the spark alive in your relationship is by being spontaneous from time to time. This could involve anything from planning a weekend getaway on a whim to cooking dinner together instead of going out to eat. Whatever it is, adding some spontaneity into your relationship will help keep things fresh and exciting.

Take Turns Planning Date Nights

Date nights are a great way to reconnect with your partner and remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place. To avoid falling into a rut, try taking turns planning date nights so that each of you gets a chance to plan something special that the other will enjoy. This could involve anything from going out for drinks or exploring a new restaurant to seeing a movie or hiking together. 

To help you with this, I’ve created a 28-day Rekindle Your Relationship Challenge designed to give you simple activities to rekindle the spark in your relationship. The challenge activities are fun and designed to reconnect you to your lover. 

Making New Year's resolutions doesn't have to be overwhelming; it can be an enjoyable process that helps bring growth into your relationship! With these helpful tips in mind, start brainstorming ideas today and make this the best year yet for you and your significant other! Good luck!