As the final weeks of 2015 come to a close, many of us are beginning to formulate expectations for the impending year. We finally come to terms with the highs and lows of the previous months and start looking quite optimistically towards the future. Maybe we didn’t work out enough or eat the healthiest in 2015, but the new year offers us a clean slate to take another stab at improving ourselves. In addition to vowing to reduce binge-drinking and late-night pizza orders, we also consider making changes in our relationships; more specifically, our romantic relationships. Whether this means you're looking to gain some freedom or get serious, each side of the spectrum begins with the new year’s kiss.

Tradition states that the new year’s kiss can mean a few different things. Some say that whomever you kiss, your bond will strengthen, whether it is romantic or not. Others say that you and the person you kiss are bound to fall in love during the coming year. The terms of such traditions can be somewhat anxiety inducing. What if you pick the wrong person? What if you go for your crush and they flinch away, clearly not feeling the same way? I propose throwing tradition to the wind when deciding who to plant your lips on at the stroke of midnight. Rather than getting caught up in falling in love or a potential hookup, get caught up in what kind of people you want to surround yourself with in the coming year. Does the guy who’s been on the dance floor all night with a smile on his face seem to represent your goals for the coming year? Then try to grab him at 12:00. Maybe the girl at the bar who seems genuinely interested in your conversation seem to represent the kinds of relationships your looking to form in 2016. Go for her as you head into 2016.

So maybe whomever you lock lips with as the ball drops in New York City isn’t the love of your life. No big deal. The kiss represents optimism, hope, and excitement for the future, not a marriage proposal. Of course if finding love is important to you, then setting that goal is essential. However, I have found that as soon as you stop searching for someone because you have a deadline to meet and start appreciating the redeeming qualities in every person, some of the best things fall into place. So take on New Year’s Eve with confidence and the type of attitude you wish to have throughout the coming year. Don’t stress so much about who you decide to kiss. Consider it a fantastic jumping-off point in becoming much more satisfied in any and all of your relationships.