Being in love is one of the best feelings in the world. Romantic dates, exchange of vows followed by a beautiful ever after—almost everyone longs for a relationship of lasting togetherness. Strangely, when a relationship does knock on the door, demanding commitment, loyalty, and hard work, many look the other way. For a relationship to work and thrive, it requires effort. When two people with different ideas, personalities, and emotions come together, they are bound to have differences of opinion, and if they are not equipped to handle these differences, the relationship can turn sour. This is where relationship resolutions come to the rescue.
Relationship resolutions help people decode their individual dynamics and embrace the idea of togetherness and partnership with relative ease. They allow couples to evaluate the areas within their relationships that could benefit from a fresh approach. When you set aside time to do regular check-ins with your partner, it helps you find proactive solutions. You see the difference between where you’ve been and where you might have been.
When couples work on their relationships, they feel happier and tend to stay together for a longer period. A Harvard study found that people with strong inter-personal relationships are happier, physically healthier, and live longer than those who are less connected.
So, whether you’ve just gotten together or planning your 15th year anniversary, it’s never too early, or too late, to give your relationship a new lease of life. Here are seven positive relationship resolutions that can help rejuvenate your bond with your partner.
Don’t take each other for granted
It’s not enough to just tell your partner you love them. Sometimes, it takes more than just words to make your better half feel appreciated. Taking your partner for granted can lead to a downslide in your relationship. On the other hand, putting in efforts to express gratitude not only leads to happiness, but also lets your partner know how much you care about them. The more you appreciate your partner for the things they do for you, the more likely you are to lose sight of smaller issues.
A few ways you can make your significant other feel appreciated and loved are through small gestures like paying compliments, leaving notes around the house, stocking their favourite snacks, taking them out on surprise dates, and sharing their workload.
Listen more, talk less
Communication is important for any relationship to thrive. But communication is not just about talking, it is also about listening, and allowing your partner to express their thoughts and emotions without interruptions. Whether you are resolving a conflict or extending support to your partner, good listening skills can go a long way in understanding each other better. When you become an active listener, it lets you understand the point of view of your partner, and at the same time, allows them to speak more openly and honestly. So, the next time you and your partner get into an argument, make a relationship resolution to listen more, talk less.
Disconnect from social media
Spending hours gazing at your laptops or mobile devices is neither good for your health, nor your relationship. Make it a habit to get away from your phone occasionally. You can use this time to know your partner better, and explore things together. When you don’t have distractions, you give undivided attention to the other person, which is an essential part of any healthy relationship. So, you must take a break from social media from time to time.
Make plans together
Doing things together can bring you closer to your partner. Whether you are planning a trip or dressing up for a costume party, include your significant other in the planning process and enjoy the experience together. Doing so will help increase the intimacy in your relationship, and also be an opportunity for you to learn more about your partner.
Start a new workout routine
Whether you are trying to lose weight or working on your fitness goals, there are plenty of advantages of adding your partner to the mix. Couples who work out together are more likely to stick to the routines and meet their fitness goals with renewed enthusiasm. Working out together also allows you and your partner to challenge one another because having your better half as your fitness partner-in-crime is a great excuse to indulge in a bit of healthy competition.
Do not make assumptions
Assumptions create constant tension and conflicts in relationships. Assuming how your partner thinks and feels never works because you are evaluating things from your own perspective. If you keep making assumptions about your partner, you come across as defensive and sometimes, even insensitive. The secret to understanding each other better comes not from having assumptions, but through effective communication. So, before jumping to any conclusion or guessing what your partner’s intentions are, offer to share your perspective and thoughts, and then ask your partner for theirs.
Make financial resolutions
Just like sharing a fitness goal with your partner can lead to a healthier lifestyle, adopting healthy financial habits can make you more secure and steady as a couple. Discuss with your partner your financial habits, goals, and desires. Understanding how you both deal with finances can help you stay on a common track. Moreover, when you are on the same page about expenses, assets, and liabilities as a couple, it becomes easier to move towards your goals and overcome challenges.
FAQs
Why are relationship resolutions important?
Relationship resolutions help couples evaluate their relationships, identify areas that need improvement, and find proactive solutions to strengthen their bond.
How can expressing gratitude benefit a relationship?
Expressing gratitude to your partner can make them feel appreciated and loved, leading to increased happiness and a stronger connection.
Why is active listening important in a relationship?
Active listening allows partners to understand each other better and communicate more effectively.
Why is disconnecting from social media beneficial for relationships?
Taking a break from social media allows couples to focus on each other, spend quality time together, and strengthen their connection without distractions.