We
are just two days into the new year, so I guess it’s not too late to
add some things to the new year resolutions I believe you already made.
You could use the fresh start to add some positive habits and make your
relationship stronger and better than ever.
Here are five other resolutions you should add to your list, and these are strictly for a better relationship in the new year.
1. Start every day with a compliment. Everyone
likes to feel appreciated in a relationship—and at one point or
another, everyone feels like their partner isn’t appreciating all that
they do. So start every day by complimenting or thanking your
significant other—thank them for making breakfast so you can sleep in a
little, tell them they look great in a new outfit, let them know you’re
proud of them for getting up early to pack the lunch you are taking to
your office. Your partner will start the day feeling loved and
appreciated, and those warm and fuzzy feelings will come right back to
you.
2. Get the most out of quality time together. Before
tackling the logistics of when to spend more quality time together, you
first need to define what you and your partner consider “quality time”
to be. Sound obvious? Not always—you may look forward to spending your
Friday night cuddled up on the couch with a movie, but your partner may
need a more engaging activity to feel like they’re connecting with you.
Talk to your sweetheart about what you both want more of—uninterrupted,
TV-free conversation over dinner? A fun board game? A walk around the
park together? A movie at the cinema?
3. Schedule a date night. Now
that you’ve figured out how you want to spend your quality time
together, schedule it. Just like any other to-do on your calendar, from
your kid’s soccer game to the PTA meeting, make quality time a priority,
not something you do if you find yourself with a few hours to kill
every few months. Take turns planning date nights every week (or
whatever frequency you agree on), put it on the calendar, and stick to
it.
4. Make your s*x life a priority. It
takes two to tango, both of you need to be on board when it comes to
making your s*x life better, and that means telling each other what you
want to change. Talk specifics and frame them in a positive way instead
of saying “You’re never in the mood for a spontaneous quickie,” try
pointing out something your partner does that you appreciate: “I love
when you surprise me by hopping the shower with me. How about we do that
this Saturday when we’re not rushed to get ready for work?”
5. Hug at least once a day. Did
you know it only takes 20 seconds of hugging to start the flow of
oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone”? The release of oxytocin makes partners
feel connected and loved. However, the average hug only lasts three
seconds. In 2013, resolve to hug it out—hold your partner tight for at
least 20 seconds each day. Just leave the calendar and kitchen timer out
of it this time—surprise them with a lingering hug when they walk in
the door after work, reach over for a squeeze while you’re grocery
shopping, or wrap your arms around them first thing in the morning.
Resolve
to make these five tips your practice in 2013, and watch your
relationship grow deeper, stronger, and better.
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