Some want to lose weight or get in shape.
Some want to budget better and set some financial goals.
Still others plan significant life changes such as marriage or divorce in the new year.
Whether you got engaged over the holidays or find yourself in a struggling marriage, take steps this new year to build your foundation in a strong relationship or do everything you can to strengthen your marriage. Here are some ideas to help.
- Learn your love language and the love language of your loved one. Here is a link to an on-line quiz to get you started. https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language. Whether you feel loved through quality time, physical touch, acts of service, receiving gifts, or words of affirmation, understanding how you experience love and how your significant other experiences love may help you build or strengthen your relationship.
- Look into the on-line courses or weekend retreats through the Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/ . Having studied relationships for 40 years, these resources for parents and couples can offer great education and learning tools to strengthen your marriage or relationships.
- Create your own space and interests. Sometimes pursuing separate interests can create individual happiness and purpose that then makes you a better person for your significant other. Want to write a book, begin your own network marketing business, hike, grow a garden? Look into https://www.meetup.com . This is a great on-line resource to help you find people interested in the same activities you may be interested in pursuing – giving you an avenue to new social circles and friends separate from your relationship with your significant other.
- Don’t stop dating! It is so easy to get bogged down in daily life – so busy with work, kids or planning your future together. Make time to date, be romantic and have time to share it what should be a life priority.
Here are some ideas: https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/nightlife/date-night/.
If you’re just beginning life together, do everything you can to create a strong and healthy foundation, understanding that marriage is great work and worth the efforts. If you find yourself struggling through marriage, these small steps may be helpful, but consider marriage counseling if your needs for help are greater.
May your New Year be filled with love!
Happy New Year ~ From ours to yours!
