New Year, New Us--Resolutions For A Better Relationship

Hey, I'm Karyn, thanks for joining me on a better relationship in five minutes. Today we're going to start off talking about our relationships in the new year ahead. 

I'm not really one for New Year's resolutions, but I do believe in taking opportunities and making opportunities for change and improvement. And if you are going to have a New Year's resolution, why not have one for your relationship? So as we dive into a new year, it's a perfect opportunity for a new Us chance to build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. So let's talk about some ideas to put towards your relationship this year.

before we get into new Us territory, I'd like to just take a minute and think about the past year. Reflect on this last year you've had together and celebrate the moments that brought you joy and happiness, all of the challenges you've got through and the milestones you achieved. Acknowledging your journey so far can help you really appreciate your growth as a couple. And I always want us to appreciate the things we do well.

Now let's talk about some resolutions.  What do you envision for your relationship this year? Maybe it's more quality time together, or improved communication, or finding new ways to support each other.  Take some time to really discuss with each other what your hopes and dreams are for your relationship, and set achievable goals together.

So let's start by talking about communication. This is the magic ingredient to any relationship.  And I can't get into all the things about it's a much bigger topic than we have time for right now, but I will say it's always a good idea to make it a priority to communicate openly, honestly, and kindly. Listen actively to your partner's thoughts and feelings, and encourage a safe space where both of you feel comfortable sharing anything and everything.

The second thing I want to talk about is reigniting that spark. It might be time to give it just a little boost. Plan some date nights, surprise each other. Make an effort to do activities that you both really love. It's not just about grand gestures though. It's also about those everyday little things like sending a sweet text or a nice compliment. Those little things can make a really big difference in your relationship. What I want you to do is to get back to remembering what it is you really liked about each other to begin with. Keep that in mind when you're thinking about how you're spending your time.

Another thing you can do to help your relationship take care of yourself?  And here's the deal about self-care. It isn't selfish. It's essential. Make sure both of you prioritize self-care. When you each feel good individually, you bring that positivity into your relationship. So encourage each other to pursue hobbies, exercise, meditate, whatever it is that helps you feel good.

Also, it's important to remember that change is really the only constant we can guarantee. There continue to be change for us individually and in our relationship. So embrace it together, support each other's personal growth and evolution, and celebrate your own individual achievements and allow your relationship to grow with you. Remember, if you're able to stick together during these changes, it can be such a great opportunity to build a deeper connection. 

On the other side of that, I'd like to encourage a little bit more forgiveness and compassion This is another one that deserves much more time, but I'll stick to this. Learn to forgive. Apologize when needed, and approach conflicts with empathy. Remember, nobody's perfect, and practicing forgiveness cultivates a more resilient and loving partnership.

And lastly, I want to remind you to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help with all this doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're investing in your relationship. If you've read all the things online and you listen to all the podcasts and you're still having a hard time, that's okay. This stuff can be really hard. It can be very difficult to actually apply all the things you're learning to your relationship without the help of a relationship coach or couples counselor. Consider seeking help if you feel like you aren't seeing the changes that you need in your relationship on your own, they can provide valuable tools to navigate rough patches.  

Alright, so that's it. Here's to a new us! Embrace this year with enthusiasm and intention, and I hope you can use these ideas as a jumpstart to think about what you want for your own relationship this year.

Let me know what your resolutions are. I would love to hear from you and thank you for joining me today. I really hope this was helpful. Until next time, remember to take care of yourself and take care of each other.

Don't forget to hit follow so you can find out when new episodes come out each week. And if you're interested in working with me or just learning more about me, you can check out my website abetterrelationshipcoaching.com.