7 New Year's Resolutions for Increasing Happiness in Your Marriage (or Committed Relationship)

1.  Tell your partner that you love him/her at least once every day.  Don't assume that your partner knows it. Even if your partner shows signs of embarrassment and denies that they need to hear it.  Don't believe it. Do it anyway.

2.  Kiss your partner at least once in the morning and at least once before you go to bed in the evening.

3.  Plan a date night at least once a month where you do something fun.  During the date, talk about each other and your interests, not the kids or your family.

4.  Swallow your pride and put your ego behind you when you know you are wrong. A simple apology will go a long way toward building goodwill and allowing forgiveness.

5.  Communicate not just in words but in actions. Communication can happen nonverbally.  Do loving things for each other. Leo Buscaglia advised, "Put your feelings into action.  Make that favorite food. Send the flowers. Remember the birthday or anniversary. Create your own love holidays to celebrate--don't just wait for Valentine's Day."

6. In the next week or two, find some quiet time to talk about your individual and family goals for this coming new year.  What part do you want your partner to play in supporting or obtaining those goals?

7.   ADD YOUR OWN RESOLUTION TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS--The best idea will win a box of chocolates and a 2008 Love Renewed Calendar. (All entries must be received before 1/31/08 to be eligible for the prizes.) I can't wait to read your ideas for New Year's Love Resolutions!

2007 Copyright. Eliz Joyner

www.loverenewed.net

Comments

[Katherine A. Bjorn.]

My husband likes it when I unexpectantly take his face in my hands and kiss him, and holding that kiss, we look at each other. Each of us smiles afterwards. We really like what we see and what we know of in each other. Whatever we are doing, whatever we are thinking, some small gesture like this, every once in awhile, that gives and asks at the same time, brings us both a little recognition we love to love.

[mopargrl]

As a writer, it's vital for me to pay attention to the nuances of people's behavior and personalities. A loving relationship thrives on nothing less. Pay attention to the ideas and actions of your loved ones. Don't take anything for granted. Then apply what you know in small ways: "You told me last week how you used to love to go ice skating as a kid. I picked up a copy of the weekend schedule for the ice rink downtown. Let's go for it!"

[Carol Bryan]

My resolution is to read scripture or a devotional and pray together daily but at least 3 times per week. When I retire, it should be daily.

[Mary Zalmanek]

So often we get to busy to enjoy or fully appreciate some of the Christmas presents we get. Within the first 3 months of 2008, I resolve to do the following:
- Give my husband a hot stone massage using the kit I bought for him (an impulse purchase at Borders).
- Order pizza for the two of us and devote an evening to putting together our new 750 piece jigsaw puzzle.
- Make a special meal from a new cookbook and serve it on the good dishes.
- Arrange a "reading day" for Jim to read a book I got for him. He gets to read all day, while I do all the cooking, cleaning and pampering.