New Year’s Resolutions for Stronger and Happier Relationships
New Year’s Resolutions for Stronger and Happier Relationships
No matter what stage your relationship is in, you might still wonder what the future holds. Since no two people or couples are alike, predicting where your journey will lead can be challenging. However, psychologists have identified patterns that can enhance relationships and strengthen love. Follow their advice and set a few resolutions for your partnership in the coming year.
Promise to Focus on the Little Things
If you’re looking for a simple answer to what makes people happy, it’s “generosity.” Caring for others is a natural mood booster, and studies have shown that it impacts longevity and life satisfaction. Being generous to your partner doesn’t mean sharing material goods or providing services. Instead, it’s about showing love through small gestures, kind looks, supportive smiles, and minor acts of kindness.
Over time, both partners may become emotionally stiffer and less giving. They might punish each other or manipulate shared interests and affections. In such situations, it’s crucial to remember why you’re with this person and the joy they bring you. If you truly love your partner, it should reflect in your behavior.
Promise to Play More
Psychologist Art Aron and his colleagues found that couples who share exciting activities, like rock climbing or rollerblading, experience increased intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Not all activities have this effect, though. It’s essential that both of you experience physical excitement, rather than just playing an online game together.
Learn to Listen
We often overestimate our listening abilities. Merely hearing someone isn’t enough; you need to invest energy in understanding and remembering what they’ve said. Equally important is how you respond. This is more challenging than it seems, but regular practice will help you improve.
Express Your Love More Often
The more we express and hear about our affection, the stronger it becomes. If you’re already tender with each other, keep it up. If you feel awkward confessing your feelings, try to express them at least once a day or as often as feels comfortable for both of you.
Avoid Using Phones When Together
Modern communication methods are a blessing for maintaining numerous social connections but can be a curse for couples seeking happiness. Research shows that having a phone nearby during face-to-face conversations can significantly impact trust levels. Even if the phone is on a side table, it suggests that your attention can easily be diverted from your partner.
Learn to Apologize
Say you’re sorry. Sometimes, in love, it’s essential to express regret. In arguments, we often focus too much on being right and forget that we’re part of the same team. You’ll never “win” a battle if your partner is deeply unhappy.
Eat and Exercise as if You’re Single
While we all dream of “love no matter what,” wearing stretched-out sweatpants, eating junk food, and constantly upsizing your clothes sends a subconscious message that you’ve stopped trying.
Talk About Money
Lay all your cards on the table: discuss debts, incomes, and financial goals. Financial incompatibility is a leading cause of divorce worldwide. It’s wise to know how to plan your joint purchases and pay bills.
Stop Comparing Yourselves to Others
No habit is more toxic than living while constantly looking at others’ lives. Scrutinizing others’ social media won’t bring as much benefit as standing in front of a mirror and asking yourself a few questions. How have you grown over the past year? What have you learned? What do you want to achieve?
Do Nothing
If you’re unsure about what to do, do nothing. Before sending a sarcastic message or after an angry outburst, ask yourself: Are you influencing something or just reacting? Often, the need to “do something” is driven by emotions, so you might achieve better results by simply postponing the thought.
For further reading, consider exploring Psychology Today for more insights on relationships and personal growth.
