These 7 Relationship Resolutions Will Make Your Relationships Better in 2023
Updated: Jan 5
2023 is gonna be a whole new year of love. Kick off 2023 on the right foot with these 7 relationship resolutions that you and your better half can easily stick to in order to make your relationships more sustainable and healthy for the long haul.
1. Rediscover each other’s personality
More often than not, when we've been together with our partners for too long, we begin to take each other for granted. What's worse, we may be having trouble seeing the positive aspects of our partners in the context of our relationship. This lack of appreciation can start to tear down even the best of us. That's why it's important to rediscover those things that make him/ her special and interesting and those things that have developed due to your time together. When you rekindle that spark of excitement, it will help restore the affection and admiration you feel toward each other.
Each new year offers an exciting opportunity for a fresh start and new beginnings. So let's take this opportunity to rediscover your partner's personalities. You may find yourself falling in love again.
2. Try new experiences
Set a bucket list goals: be it all the places both of you want to travel to or must-eat food in town, whatever it is. You and your partner could pick an item out from that list and do it every year, every month, every week, or however the both of you prefers.
If you struggle to come up with something, Here's a couples bucket list that has some very fun and interesting ideas you can consider. We definitely would
The world is nothing short of unique and interesting things for you and your partner to experience and embrace. It's definitely worthwhile for the both of you to achieve and tick off your bucket list every month or every year. Go out there, experience something new and create that memories that you will hold dear.
3. Go on occasional dates
Making date night a regular occurrence in your relationship should be an utmost priority in your relationship. Even if you're around each other every single day, we can easily get caught up with the day-to-day struggles of life. Therefore, it is important there are moments dedicated in your relationship that are special.
A research by the marriage foundation found that date nights strengthen marriages and that can decrease the odds of a relationship breakdown by 14%!
It would be best if you and your partner can agree to set aside a particular day in a week for a date night. On this day, both of you are meant to slow things down a bit, turn off the phone (best!) and basically just enjoy each other's presence. Here are 10 date night ideas you and your partner can try out immediately:
Weekly dine out on weekends;
Eat at a restaurant both of you haven't eaten at before;
Explore new coffee shop at area;
Take a scenic drive in the countryside;
Go hiking on a nature trail;
Go on a double date with your friends;
Watch new movies at the cinema;
Shop for groceries together;
Make romantic dinner together;
Shop for groceries
This will look different for everyone. But no matter what it is you and your partner choose do, the bottom line is about finding excitement and new discoveries in the most mundane every day tasks.
4. Focus more on intimacy
Most of us take it for granted that intimate relationships will be a constant in our lives. But, like most other things we take for granted, that's not always the case. Sometimes people drift apart—physically and emotionally—and don't really know why.
If you and your partner have been feeling the strain in your relationship lately, or have just been busy with the day to day life's tasks, it is a signal for a bit of a recharge in your relationship. Simple romantic gestures can reignite that spark and help keep your relationship thriving. Make time every day to focus on building that intimacy. It can be as simple as reconnecting in the morning with a kiss and saying "I love you" before leaving for work.
Here's a really good article on how to build intimacy in a relationship.
5. Find some mutual friends
Mutual friends can promote the best in the both of you. Believe it or not, having a bunch of people who know you as a couple could strengthen your connection. Couples who share social groups and friends tend to have higher levels of relationship satisfaction, commitment and intimacy.
6. Look for solutions to arguments
Conflict exists in all relationships, but your disagreements should never turn into a personal attack to lower the other’s self-esteem. The most effective way to solve any hiccups in a relationship is to simply talk to each other; be empathetic and try to understand where your partner is coming from. Show him/ her your full respect when listening to get to the heart of the problem behind every arguments.
What’s important is that you communicate effectively and in a healthy way that allows you to understand each other better and make your relationship stronger.
7. Spend time without digital distractions
In a world where we're constantly distracted by our phones and other digital devices, it can be hard to remember that there's a person on the other side of them.
Studies have found that too much tech use in a relationship- even a small digital distractions, can cause dissatisfaction in a romantic relationship over a period of time. It is undeniably true that technology makes us feel connected to the (virtual) world. However, every minute you spent glued to your phone takes away a great deal of quality time and your attention away from your significant other. A phenomenon we called phubbing.
“Phubbing is the act of ignoring someone you are with and giving attention to your mobile phone instead.”
Often times than not, the time we spend on our devices are inconsequential- watching funny memes, online shopping for items you totally don't need, watching other people's life ono Youtube etc. If this is you and you want to make a positive change in your relationship in 2023, set aside at least 15 - 30 mins every day without your devices and talk to each other. This can be easily done over breakfast, lunch or dinner time; when you wake up in the morning or when you are in bed for the night. Talk about the things you learnt at work, the things you hope for the future, or even share with your partner about this article you read today. It could be anything really. And without you noticing, that 15 - 30 minutes could easily spanned to an hour or even longer.
Setting aside a little time each day to connect without technology will go a long way to building a stronger relationship.
