New Year's ​Resolutions ​for Couples ​That ​Actually ​Work

First things first - forget about what you think you "should" be doing. Every relationship is unique, and ​what works for your bestie and their partner might not be your cup of tea. Instead, start by having an ​honest conversation with your other half about what matters most to you both. Maybe it's spending ​more quality time together without your phones, or maybe it's supporting each other's individual ​dreams. The key is to find those sweet spots where your needs and wants overlap.

Now, here's something you don't often hear - it's okay to have different goals sometimes. Yep, you ​heard that right. You don't have to be joined at the hip 24/7 to have a great relationship. In fact, having ​some personal goals can actually make your bond stronger. Just make sure you're cheering each other ​on along the way.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - communication. We all know it's important, but how many of ​us actually make it a priority? This year, why not set a goal to have regular check-ins? And I'm not talking ​about "How was your day?" over dinner. I mean really digging deep and talking about your fears, hopes, ​and everything in between. It might feel awkward at first, but trust me, it gets easier (and more ​rewarding) with practice.

Here's a fun one - why not set a goal to try new things together? And I don't just mean skydiving or salsa ​classes (though those are cool too). Think smaller, maybe it's trying a new recipe together every week ​or exploring a different part of your city each month. It's about creating shared experiences and ​memories, no matter how big or small.

Now, let's get a bit vulnerable for a sec. We all have baggage, right? Whether it's from past ​relationships or childhood stuff, we've all got our quirks and hang-ups. This year, why not make it a goal ​to work on those together? It's not about fixing each other - it's about supporting each other's growth ​and healing. And hey, you might just learn something new about yourself in the process.

Speaking of learning, here's a goal that often gets overlooked - educating yourselves about ​relationships. No, I'm not talking about reading trashy magazines. There are tons of great resources out ​there that can give you new tools for your relationship toolbox. In fact, I've created a couples therapy ​workbook designed specifically for this purpose. It's packed with exercises and prompts that you can ​work through together at home, giving you the feeling of having a relationship expert guiding you, but in ​the comfort of your own space and at your own pace. Of course, there are also great podcasts and ​books available. Make it a fun couples' activity to explore these resources together and see what works ​best for you.

Last but not least, let's talk about the importance of celebrating the small stuff. We often focus so ​much on the big milestones that we forget to appreciate the everyday moments. Maybe your goal ​could be to acknowledge one thing you appreciate about your partner every day. It might seem small, ​but trust me, it can make a big difference.

Remember, setting relationship goals isn't about creating a perfect fairytale romance. It's about ​growing together, supporting each other, and creating a partnership that feels good for both of you. So ​grab your partner, pour yourselves a drink (or a cup of tea if that's more your style), and start dreaming ​up some goals that'll make this year your best one yet as a couple. You've got this!

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