Love + Sex, Love, Life Stories, Advice

If you want a better relationship in 2018, do these 8 things

Who says your New Year's resolutions have to be all about you?

By Dec. 31, 2017
Dark skinned woman leaning up against a dark skinned man as they sit on the sidewalk outside.
Attribution: [Image Description: Dark skinned woman leaning up against a dark skinned man as they sit on the sidewalk outside.] via Pixabay

With New Year’s Eve upon us, it’s time to make resolutions to improve your personal and romantic life. For me and my boyfriend, New Year’s Eve is our anniversary, which means it’s the perfect time to set goals for our next year together. This way, we grow our love for one another, hold each other accountable, and encourage new experiences.

Whether you’ve been with your partner for years, or you just began dating, these are some resolutions you can commit to together to refresh your relationship and maybe even add some spice to your lives:

1. Make more time for date night

A light skinned woman and a light skinned man in the bed in their bedroom fully clothed. The woman is feeding the man a slice of pizza.
A light skinned woman and a light skinned man in the bed in their bedroom fully clothed. The woman is feeding the man a slice of pizza. via Pixabay

Sometimes date nights can fall to the wayside when you’re busy. Between work, school, or even distance, it can be hard to find time for one another. Commit to a night a week, or even every other week, that you devote to time together. This can be a movie night, dinner, bowling, or, if you’re long distance, a Skype call.

2. Find solutions to old arguments

Asian man and woman both wearing white standing a good distance from each other back to back.
Asian man and woman both wearing white standing a good distance from each other back to back.. via Pixabay

This may not be particularly attractive resolution, but it’s a great way to hold each other accountable. What did you argue about this year that you want to revisit and how will addressing the issue improve your lives?

For me and my boyfriend, it was the division of household chores when we tried our hand at sharing an apartment this summer. By revisiting how we both felt about the argument and how we hope to move forward in dividing these chores, we can better prepare ourselves to get a new apartment together next year. Be honest and direct, but also make sure you’re considering solutions.

3. Conquer your fears together

Two people jumping out of a plane to go skydiving
Two people jumping out of a plane to go skydiving. via Pixabay

What’s a better bonding experience than conquering something that frightens you together? Go to an amusement park, and ride a tall roller coaster. Eat a food you’ve never tried before.

As someone who is terrified of flying, booking flights to visit my boyfriend and having his encouragement along the way has somewhat helped me get over my fear. So, be afraid and get out there!

4. Plan a romantic trip together

Light skinned man and woman standing on a mountain overlooking more mountains with their arms raised.
Light skinned man and woman standing on a mountain overlooking more mountains with their arms raised.. via Pexels

You don’t even have to drop a fortune on tickets to Italy—you can plan a short weekend camping or simply just right outside of where you live.

Planning a trip together is a fun, yet challenging experience which will allow you to learn more about one another. And you’ll have the memories from the trip to share with each other forever.

5. Plan phone-free fun

Dark skinned woman with her arms around a dark skinned man's neck.
Dark skinned woman with her arms around a dark skinned man’s neck. via Pixabay

Plan to put your phones away entirely during certain times you’re together in order to be fully present. This can be during your regularly scheduled date nights, but it can also be during other times as well. Commit to this during meals, while in bed together, and during dates, among other agreed upon times.

6. Introduce your significant other to a new hobby

Two light skinned women sitting on rocks by the water with cameras. One is taking a picture of the other.
Two light skinned women sitting on rocks by the water with cameras. One is taking a picture of the other. via Pexels

You may not share the same hobbies, and that’s okay! While it’s a great thing to keep your hobbies separate, it’s also a great learning experience to introduce your partner to a hobby of yours. If you love playing an instrument, give them an impromptu lesson. This is a great way to show your passions.

7. Re-commit to your communication

Dark skinned man and woman sitting on the steps of a building talking to each other.
Dark skinned man and woman sitting on the steps of a building talking to each other.. via Pexels

If you felt like something fell to the side in terms of communication, this is the time to speak up. Bring up again your preferred means of communication and the types of things you’d like to communicate about.

8. Switch up your sex life

Asian man and woman in bed. The woman's shirt is pulled off her shoulder and the man is kissing her exposed shoulder.
Asian man and woman in bed. The woman’s shirt is pulled off her shoulder and the man is kissing her exposed shoulder. via Pixabay

Whether this means committing to safer sex with your partner or asking about a fantasy you’ve always wanted to try, the new year is a great time to open up about how you can make the bedroom a better place for both of you.

Of course, you’re not bound to these resolutions, but these are great stepping off points as you examine your relationship this past year.

And with these resolutions in mind, you and your partner are well on your way to a fulfilling, loving, and fresh relationship in 2018.