While most people focus on making their New Year’s resolutions all about themselves, sometimes, it’s a good idea to make them for your relationships.
Setting goals for ourselves and looking to expand upon our careers and overall well-being is something we should all be doing at the start of a new year. But if you’re tired of putting so much pressure on yourself to change, start thinking about ways to improve your relationship in the new year.
If you want to put a new spark in your relationship in 2024, here are some relationship resolutions that will help you out.
Try new things together
This is an especially great goal if you’re in the early stages of a romantic relationship. Sticking to the same routines with a partner gets boring after a while.
One of the best ways to learn new things about your partner is to try new things with them. Attend a cooking class together, travel somewhere neither of you have been to, learn a new skill together, etc.
Show more affection
With the world we’re living in, we could all use a little extra comfort and affection as we enter the new year. If your partner is comfortable with touch and physical affection, try showing them a little more this year!
Give them a little kiss on the cheek or a wholesome hug when they least expect it, or hold their hand through mundane activities. It’s a sweet way to let them know you appreciate them and have their back.
JJ Studio – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Change the way you argue
No matter how healthy or ideal your relationship may seem, no relationship is perfect, and arguments will happen. However, going into the new year, you can strive to argue in a healthier way. If you have a habit of yelling or being stubborn during arguments or serious discussions with your partner, work on your language and how you talk to them.
Acknowledge your partner’s feelings while expressing your own, approach each argument with empathy, and work more toward solving your issues with your partner rather than trying to be right or “win.”
Plan a trip
If you’ve been living with your partner for a while and found yourselves getting stressed toward the end of the year, you should set a goal to go on a fun trip together in 2024. You don’t have to book a week-long vacation at a five-star resort on a fancy island! A simple weekend trip to get you out of town and experience something new together will do.
Express your gratitude
When you feel gratitude or appreciation for your partner, let them know. Life is too short to suppress how you feel and not tell someone how much you love them or how thankful you are for them. Acknowledge and thank your partner anytime they do something for you, whether it be a massive favor or something as simple as cooking your dinner.
When you start expressing more gratitude for your partner, they’ll likely reciprocate, making your relationship more harmonious than ever.
Any of these relationship resolutions will make great improvements in your relationships for the new year. As long as you go into it with an open heart and positive mind, you’ll be okay! Happy New Year!
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