New Year’s resolutions for couples (without the pressure)

Whether we make New Year’s resolutions or not, there’s often that urge to “do better than before”. We think about what we’d like to improve in our lives so everything runs smoothly and we have a great year. But here’s the problem: most of the time, we don’t stick to them. There’s no point beating ourselves up or blaming our willpower. The trouble is, we often make resolutions that just don’t suit us. Why force yourself to give up snacking altogether if it’s something you enjoy? Or do 50 press-ups every night to get your dream body if you know it’ll put you off exercise in no time?

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to feel like a chore 

I’m not saying that making a resolution about food or exercise is a bad idea. It’s more about being able to say, for example, “OK, I’ve got love handles, but they don’t bother me at all. I don’t want to deprive myself just because other people would like me to.”

Personally, I prefer to think of New Year’s resolutions as wellbeing tips. Little things that might seem insignificant but help you feel good in yourself. One thing I love doing when I’m looking for resolutions is thinking about what I enjoy but didn’t make enough time for over the past year.

If you like the sound of that, I've got a few wellbeing tips to help you nurture your relationship this year. Read on 🙂

Top 5 New Year’s resolutions for couples 

You don’t have to take these suggestions as instructions to follow to the letter. Pick the ones you like, leave the rest or make them your own.

Choose a new activity to share 

We all have our own passions. Sometimes they’re “contagious” and our partner joins in; sometimes they’re not quite so keen. Think of something you don’t usually do that you could both really enjoy.

It could be something as simple as deciding to cook a lovely meal together on Sundays or going for a walk together every week (on foot, by bike, on a motorbike… whatever you like)!

They could be more “unusual” activities too, as long as they work for you both. Visit rum bars for tasting sessions, try every escape room in the area, give acroyoga a go… Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. The point is to shake up your usual routine as a couple!

Have a screen-free evening now and then 

There’s no recommended frequency — it’s entirely up to you! It’s a great chance to break out of your routine and share more experiences together.

It can be a chance to look after each other. If that appeals to you, you could enjoy some cosy time together. Everyone has their own idea of what feels good, but it could be something simple, like cutting your partner's hair, giving them a lovely massage or taking a bath together.

You could also play games together! Try a ‘classic’ card or board game to see just how sore a loser your partner can be 😜 or naughtier games to keep discovering new things about them. After all, communication is a cornerstone of any relationship, and you can never know everything about your partner!

Go away for the weekend 

You don’t have to empty your savings to plan a lovely change of scene. Book ahead and you can often find great deals for a trip on a budget. And if planning holidays isn’t your thing, there’s always Wonderbox to help you find your own little slice of paradise.

It’s a brilliant way to put everyday life on pause and enjoy some quality time together as a couple.

Make plans together 

We don’t necessarily mean the “big moments” in life, like getting married or planning for a baby — though those count too. It could be something a bit more light-hearted.

It could be a hobby you share that you’d like to take to the next level. Say you love finding old furniture at flea markets and doing it up… Why not sell the pieces you create together?

You could adopt a little companion and train them together, convert an old van before heading off on a road trip, or take up some volunteering you both enjoy…

It doesn’t really matter what the project is, as long as you’re both excited about it and it gives you something to look forward to together!

Understand your partner’s love language 

The idea isn’t to question everything when you doubt your partner’s love, but to try to understand where that feeling comes from.

And there's a tool that can help us understand each other better: the theory of the 5 love languages. It comes from a marriage and family specialist.

According to him, we show our partners love in five main ways: through words and sweet talk, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

If we're not ‘playing on the same team’, it's easy to think the relationship is on the rocks, when we simply haven't found THE love language that works for both partners.

What about you? How do you plan to nurture your relationship? Share your tips with us! 💜