Resolutions are meant to make us better. They are meant to give us new perspectives for the new year. It is also important to remember that resolutions are not supposed to change us, but they are supposed to make us better by giving us an opportunity to set a goal, to try something new, and to live fully. Like resolutions, relationships are meant to make us better. They are meant to make us thrive and be the best version of ourselves with the help and support of someone we love. So, why not make resolutions in our relationships? Here are some ideas:
Take the time to learn more about each other.
Ask your significant other obscure questions. Ask them about their childhood, their hopes, and their dreams. Learn what makes them unique, what makes them right for you and love them for it.
Try new things.
Whether it's a new restaurant, a new movie, or a new city, try something new. It's an adventure and will push you both our of your comfort zones, bringing you closer together.
Spend more time actually being together.
Put down the cell phones, turn off Netflix, and spend time being fully aware of and attentive to your significant other. It is too often that we get sucked into a digital world and forget about the realities that are in front of us. Tuning out the technology will make the time you and your partner spend together more meaningful.
Go on more dates.
It can be as simple as a walk in the park and coffee. A date does not have to be super extravagant, nor does it have to be expensive. It can even be as simple as cooking dinner, having a glass of wine, and then watching a movie. As long as it is significant and meaningful, it counts, and that time together will mean something more.
Make "me" time.
Earnest Hemingway said, "The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too." Be mindful of this and take the time to be with yourself, whether alone or with your friends. Often, it leads to a healthier relationship and fewer arguments.
Turn arguments into conversations rather than competitions.
A competition ends with a winner and a loser; someone happy and someone hurt. A relationship, a healthy one, should never have a party that feels hurt or upset while the other is fine. Arguments usually occur because of a strong feeling or passion toward something. Instead of making it a competition, make it a conversation and communicate clearly and efficiently the way you feel about something with your partner. Conversations are more constructive than competitions. Make it a conversation.
Be in the moment.
Do not worry about the past or the future. The best thing you and your significant other can do for your relationship is live in the moment and be present with each other. It is OK to talk about the future, but don't dwell on it. It's completely OK to not know what will happen in the next year or two...it's even OK to not know what you'll eat for dinner! Just understand where you are in this present moment, and everything will be OK and enjoyable.
