New Year, New Love Life: 10 New Year Resolutions to Improve Your Relationship

It’s almost the New Year, and you know what that means! A whole new set of New Year Resolutions to discard by February (kidding… kind of.)

While 2021 was certainly better than 2020 (we finally got that vaccine!) – it still left a fair amount to be desired. Maybe 2022 will bring with it a stronger sense of normalcy. But regardless of what happens with COVID, we can still work to make our own lives, and relationships, better.

With that in mind, here are 10 New Year resolutions to consider for a better, brighter love life this year – no matter what your relationship status.

New Year Resolutions If You’re Single:

1. Work on Yourself First

This is cliché, I know, but some things are clichéd for a reason. Whether you’re content to be single or desperate for a relationship, the most important thing is that you take care of your own well-being.

So, this year, think about what it is that you really want.

It may be that what you really want is a relationship, and if so, that’s fine too! But, for this one, think about what you want to improve in yourself for yourself. Maybe you want to get in shape or lose weight, maybe you want to feel more confident and be kinder to yourself, maybe you want to spend more time on your hobbies. Whatever it is, make that your first priority.

2. Try New Things

Always wanted to try yoga? Go rock climbing? Learn a new instrument? There’s no time like the present!

Not only will trying new things broaden your own horizons, it’s a great way to improve your love life, directly or indirectly. For one thing, new experiences can lead to meeting new people, and possibly even that special someone.

But even if you don’t meet anyone new at your new hot yoga class, having more hobbies gives you something interesting to talk about on dates. Plus, exploring new things can help improve your own sense of happiness and self-esteem which is always more attractive.

3. Be Open to Dating Possibilities

Most of us have a so-called checklist of qualities we’re looking for in a partner – kindness, intelligence, attractiveness – and while it’s important to have standards and expectations, we can sometimes get bogged down by too many particulars.

For instance, maybe your ideal mate has brown hair and blue eyes, is 6’3 and made of muscle, and has a sexy Australian accent, but while you’re out there searching for Chris Hemsworth, there are a ton of great guys you may be overlooking.

So, this year, keep an open mind when dating.

Talking to someone who seems nice but isn’t exactly your type? Meet up for coffee anyway! You may be surprised at the in-person chemistry you develop. Of course, it’s not a good idea to settle for someone you’re not genuinely into, but by keeping an open mind and saying ‘yes’ to more dates, you’re at least giving more people a chance. Plus, you may get a better sense of the qualities you deem most important anyway.

Related Read: Let’s Talk Deal Breakers in Dating

4. Put Yourself Out There

Along with being open to dating possibilities, this year, aim to put yourself out there more often.

Finding love often means being more vulnerable, so work on your vulnerability by doing things that you otherwise might’ve found too nerve-wracking. It’s scary to walk up to someone you don’t know and tell them you think they’re attractive! Or to make the first move. Or to go to dinner/a movie/ a yoga class by yourself. But do it anyway!

5. Find Closure

Oh, closure. It’s a tricky concept isn’t it?

We all have exes and most of us have complicated or unresolved feelings about those exes. And while that’s normal, having baggage can really hold you back when trying to pursue a new relationship.

So, this year, aim to leave the past in the past. If you want to, you can reach out to an ex and actually ask for a closure conversation, but it’s by no means necessary. You can find closure all by yourself. Think about the past relationships you’ve had, evaluate what went right and what went wrong, and use it as a learning experience moving forward.

You May Like: From Heartbreak to Healing in 30 Days: A Post-Breakup Recovery Guide

☆ ☆ ☆

New Year Resolutions If You’re in a Relationship

1. Learn to Fight Better

Every couple has arguments – in fact, if you’re in a relationship where you never argue, I’d be willing to bet there’s a problem. But there’s a big difference between healthy and unhealthy fighting. The goal of a “fight” should be to resolve the issue, not to hurt your partner.

This year, make it a priority to improve your relationship by improving the way you and your bae have those dreaded conversations.

Some helpful tips for fighting fair:

• Use “I” statements
• Focus on how you feel about something and not how your partner is wrong
• Take a break if things get too heated
• Remember to keep the argument on the current issue – bringing up the past or taking low blows isn’t going to help anyone.

Related Read: How to Have More Effective Communication in Relationships

2. Compliment Your Partner More

This one is pretty simple. Everyone likes being appreciated and adored, so this year, find ways to give your partner more of that.

Give random compliments, tell your partner what you love about them, say ‘thank you’ when they do something nice for you.

It’s really easy to get into a rhythm where you skip the gratitude – maybe your partner always cleans up after dinner so you’ve come to expect it – but by going out of your way to tell them that you see and appreciate their efforts, you’ll improve your relationship a bunch.

3. Complain Less

Just as you should try and give your partner more positive attention, you should try and lay off the negativity a bit too. It’s natural to be annoyed sometimes in a relationship, and it can also be a very good thing to voice your grievances from time to time, but this year, try to focus on complaining a bit less. It’ll go a long way in making your relationship better.

4. Show Support

Making a New Year resolution doesn’t just have to be relationship-based. In fact, most people make resolutions that are far more solitary – eating healthier, exercising more, learning something new. So this year, find out what your partner’s resolution is and try to be as supportive as possible. You can even join them!

Say they want to get in shape – not only can you encourage them in their efforts, maybe try going to the gym with them on occasion.

And even if you don’t want to actually join them in their chosen resolution, there are a ton of ways to show interest and support. For example, if they want to read more, maybe talk to them about the new book they just picked up. It’s a small act, but one that really shows your partner that you’re paying attention and that you care.

5. Do Something Fun Together

2020 was a rough year. 2021 was a bit better, but there was still a pandemic and a lot of isolation to contend with. A lot of people still struggled with unemployment, depression, and anxiety.

So, this year, you can try and make up for all that by aiming to do something fun together. You can try new restaurants, try a new activity, or plan a trip together (as long as it’s safe to do so, of course). Whatever you choose to do, it’ll bring you and your partner closer while (hopefully) getting you out of the house a bit more.

Related Read: Autumn Love: 23 Cozy and Romantic Date Ideas for Fall

Conclusion

Happy New Year everyone!

What do you think of my Love Life Resolutions? Do you have any New Year Resolutions this year? Let me know in the comments below!

As always, thanks for reading. And no matter what your relationship status is, may 2022 bring you love and joy in all areas of your life.

xx
Katie