It is still January which means we are still talking resolutions.
At the beginning of each year, most of us, sit down and take the time to write out our resolutions for the New Year. We include things that will, hopefully, make us feel better, both mentally and physically, we set goals we want to achieve on a personal level as well as a professional level, and we plan ways to help us become more financially secure by the end of the year.
What we don’t usually include are relationship resolutions or ways to improve upon them.
Whether you have been in a relationship for 5 months or 5 years, you quickly learn just how hard relationships really are. A strong, successful relationship does not come easy, you have to put in a lot of work to not only make it that way, but to keep it that way. And no matter what people tell you or how they may make it look, no relationship is perfect.
So, even though we are well into January at this point, there is still plenty of time to set some resolutions for your relationship in 2019. And while all relationships are different, I believe these are all relationship resolutions anyone can make.
Relationship Resolutions to Make in 2019
1. Take notice of the little things and express gratitude.
This is one I am constantly working on within my own relationship. Brandon and I have been together a long time, so it becomes incredibly easy to not notice the little things we do for each other everyday. I’ve found a great way to prioritize this is to really try and focus on the positive each day.
Brandon and I make it a point to say “Thank you” to each other at the end of the day and specify what we are thanking each other for. Usually it’s just for little household chores, but it’s nice to have them recognized and appreciated. Gratitude really does go a long way!
2. Don’t Compare
I’ve talked about not comparing your relationship before because it is something I feel incredibly strong about. “Comparison is the thief of joy” has to be one of the truest quotes of all time. I used to compare our relationship all the time, the good and the bad, and it never did any good for our relationship. When you are in a relationship you are already placing so many expectations on someone else and comparing just increases that…a ton!
I’ve managed to break this habit (for the most part), by staying very aware of when I start to compare. When I notice, I immediately stop myself. If you find yourself comparing your relationship, just remember the good in your relationship, focus on we you love your significant other and remember that no one has a perfect relationship!
3. Try something new together
Again, after being together for so long, it’s easy to fall into a routine. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good routine, but I also believe it can get very comfortable and, kind of, boring. Trying new things as a couple will bring some much needed excitement to the relationship. It doesn’t have to be something big or grand, but just something you haven’t done together.
After being with Brandon for 17 years, I feel like we’ve covered pretty much everything, but I know that isn’t true. There are plenty of activities we could get out and experience that would be new for both of us. We just need to make this a priority!
4. Always, always communicate
This is a no brainer when it comes to relationship resolutions. We are well aware that communication is key when it comes to long term relationships. However it is incredibly easy to fall into a habit of not communicating!
Make it a point to tell your significant other how you really feel, what you really want and/or what is really on your mind. It’s amazing the things that can be solved when you just take the time to talk it out rather than letting it fester inside you. Trust me. I know.
In the past (and it’s something we are always working on), we’ve had a horrible habit of not talking to each other when a fight breaks out…sometimes for days. Clearly we are both stubborn 🙂 It took a toll on our relationship. Once we recognized how much it was affecting our relationship, we made a point to fix it. Communicating, instead of shutting each other out, has made a world of difference.
5. Make little acts of intimacy just as much a priority as sex
The longer we are in a relationship, it seems, the less we make a point to prioritize little acts of intimacy. I mean, sex should obviously be a priority, but what about random make out sessions, holding each others hands or giving each other hugs?
These little acts don’t really sound like much, but it’s a great way to reconnect to the early days of your relationship. Plus a good make out session is always fun!
What relationship resolutions are you making this year?
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