What can I say about this past year? Is there really any words to describe what we’ve been going through? All I can say is wow. And now it’s time to think about new year’s resolutions for couples.
You’ve made it through two years of a pandemic. That’s no small feat. This pandemic has emotionally, mentally, and physically impacted our well-being. And if you’ve made it through this with your partner, then you two can make it through anything.
So, leaving 2021 behind, what are you going to focus on in 2022? How can you improve your relationship?
We tend to make fun of New Year’s resolutions, you know what I’m talking about, that gym membership you used once – but if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of relationships.
In 2022, I encourage you to invest time into your relationship and set goals as an individual and couple. But what are new year’s resolutions for couples? Hmm, maybe try these.
New Year’s Resolutions Couples Should Make in 2022
Are you ready for 2022? Oh please, say yes. Are you ready to put these two years behind you and focus on the bright future? Of course, you are. So, here are new year’s resolutions for couples for this coming year.
#1 Relationship Resolution
For the past two years, life has been, hmm, what’s the word, restricted. Maybe you have children, and if so, they were at home all the time. But now, things have settled a bit. Schools have opened up, restaurants, cafes, and hotels are back in business.
It’s time to rekindle your relationship.
Go on a real date night and spend some time together outside of the house and away from your children (if you have them).
Share your feeling together, talk about the challenges you’ve faced or obstacles you’ve overcome as a couple. Reflecting on tough times can show you just how strong a couple you are and the areas that need to be worked on.
While in 2020 and 2021, we were all just trying to survive, in 2022, you can take your relationship to the next level.
Relationship resolutions can be:
- Exploring sexual fantasies and desires in the bedroom.
- Trying out a new activity together, like surfing, ceramics, etc.
- Practicing gratitude.
- Taking creative approaches for date night (we’ve had enough dinner and movie nights).
- Working on proactively expressing your needs.
#2 Personal Resolution
How can you be a good partner if you’re not working on yourself? Your relationship is only as strong as the individuals in it. So one of the new year’s resolutions for couples focuses on you.
The pandemic has certainly put our mental and emotional well being to the test, and now, it’s time to reflect. How is your relationship with your partner? Do you find there’s codependency? Are you your own being?
For 2022, it’s time to regain yourself. Start the year off by thinking about your needs and how you will fulfill them.
A personal resolution can look like:
- Seeking a therapist.
- Developing a healthy morning routine.
- Practicing yoga or meditation.
- Improving the relationships with your friends and family.
- Finding a new hobby to do on your own.
#3 Financial Resolution
These past two years have financially challenged many couples. People lost jobs, had a reduction in shifts, and yet, the bills still kept coming in. And if there’s one thing that can challenge a couple and test the limits, it’s financial stress.
If you or both you and your partner are struggling financially, it puts strain on the relationship. Anyone in intimacy counselling knows that money can cause quite a rift. I’m sure you know that by now – you feel it.
Yet, finances are one of the most important factors in a relationship. Long-term financial issues can create shame and resentment in a relationship.
Now, I’m not saying you need to have $100,000 in savings, but for 2022, sit down with your partner and take a good look at your financial situation and how you can improve it.
If you two can work together to eliminate debt and create a financial goal, you’ll be able to reduce the financial stress in your relationship. That’s not going to make all your problems go away, but it’ll certainly help and create clarity for your future together.
A financial resolution can be:
- Creating a monthly budget.
- Saving money every month.
- Paying off debt
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I think we can all agree on, it’s that we’re over 2020 and 2021. In 2022, it’s time to take a proactive approach to the relationship with yourself and your partner and make the most out of your life. Use these new year’s resolutions for couples!