Another year is upon us and with it comes big wishes, dreams, and resolutions. From kicking bad habits to picking up good ones, the majority of us use the new year as motivation to change for the better. And ultimately, this long celebrated tradition makes a real difference in the lives of those who are truly dedicated. From quitting smoking to losing weight, there are many physical goals we set for ourselves come January 1st.
However, what about our mental health or the state of our relationships? For some, these are the areas that require real focus in 2019. Whether you have been married with children for over 25-years or you have just entered into a new relationship, many of us do not realize that for a relationship to truly blossom, it needs a little tender loving care now and then.
Making Over Your Relationship for a Better New Year
If you are reading this article, you might be asking yourself how to begin putting in the work your relationship truly needs. Luckily, it is not as challenging as one might think and the payoff is more than worth it. Whether you are completely happy in your relationship or you find yourselves facing challenges—relationships can always improve. Let’s take a peek at some of the best ways to give your relationship the facelift it so desperately needs.
Quit arguing
No matter how happy a relationship, arguments are to be expected sometimes. In fact, arguing can actually be healthy. However, if they are populating the majority of each week, this is an area that definitely requires focus. Sure, you are more than allowed to get angry and annoyed – it is only human. However, you do not have to take these emotions and spew them onto your partner like a toxic cloud. The most efficient way to quit fighting is by checking in with yourself and walking away when necessary. Additionally, it can be helpful to write down your feelings instead of yelling.
Increase compliments
When you are in a relationship whether it be romantic or of a friendly nature, we all need to feel wanted and loved. One of the best ways to make your partner feel worthy is by giving them compliments. While it is not necessary to lather them up with meaningless words—acknowledging one another’s success, achievements, character, and appearance is one of the best tools for uplifting one another.
Give frequent hugs/physical contact
Science has proven that hugs are incredibly beneficial for us as humans. After all, what better way is there to say I love you, I missed you, hello, and goodbye? However, hugs are not exclusively reserved for these occasions and should be distributed repeatedly each day. In fact, you should aim to hug your partner at least five times a day. This is not to say that you should smother the one you love, but instead, simply show your love and appreciation with unexpected embraces throughout the day. A quick hug at the kitchen sink or over a mop and a bucket can change a person’s entire mood and give them the boost they need to get through the day.
Send your loved one old fashioned love letters expressing your love and appreciation for them.
Write love notes
There is nothing quite as special as receiving the words and thoughts of your loved one in handwritten format. The old-fashioned love note is something that is less common than before due to technological advances. However, the magic of the gesture is far from gone. Sending a little love note in your husband or wife’s work lunch or leaving a little something sweet on your pillow for them to wake up to will make their entire day – guaranteed. This gesture only costs you a small amount of time but goes the distance to express your love and appreciation.
Review things each week
While your relationship is non-material and far from a job, it doesn’t hurt to take it seriously and go over things with one another from time to time. At the end of each week, it can be incredibly beneficial to sit down with your significant other and discuss the challenges you have faced both together and separately throughout the week. Keep it calm and conversational instead of arguing, and together you can learn how to improve and defeat these challenges in the future.
Don’t Wait, Start Making Over Your Relationship Today!
Although we are already coming up on February, it is not too late to make a resolution or goal for the year. Rather than making the age-old promise to hop on the treadmill, why not try something a bit different? By dedicating yourself to your partner and this guide, the two of you can successfully renovate your relationship so to speak, ultimately giving it a complete makeover.
