Capsule

8 New Years Resolutions for Every Couple!

Sometimes it’s hard to “talk the talk” AND “walk the walk” when it comes to New Years resolutions.  To mix up your motivation, set an intention for 2013 with your spouse or partner!  Resolutions-for-two can encourage you to stick to your promises and also strengthen your relationship.  Here are some ideas to rev up your resolutions and your relationships!

1.  Give together—Generosity and charity flow easily around the holidays, or when major tragedies occur in your community.  There are plenty of organizations that need help during the rest of the year, so if you enjoy philanthropy then pick a cause with your sweetie and make a difference.

2.  Make health a priority—There’s something so perfect about cozying up on the couch, ordering Chinese food, and watching a movie…until your jeans don’t fit anymore and you feel sluggish.  Pull out some healthy recipes that you want to try together. Or better yet, make your date nights about cooking a meal at home together and taking a walk in the park, or doing something fun like a sushi-making class. 

3.  Sweat together—Mindful eating and exercise go hand-in-hand to stay healthy.  Some guys claim that “the top is the best part of the muffin” (clever, but not very comforting), but they ALSO think it’s sexy and attractive to see a woman beast it out in the gym.  So enlist your partner as a workout buddy if you want to ditch your “holiday weight”.  And even if you’re not overweight, exercising with your partner is a way to simultaneously improve your health, spend time together, and get the hour out of the way so you have more time to do fun things later!

4.  Promise to improve communication—All relationships are challenging not just because of disagreements, but even moreso because of a lack of communication skills or a wrong approach to working through the rough patches.  Be introspective and think of one thing that you tend to do or not do in a squabble with your partner that you can change or improve.  And most importantly, put it to practice!

5.  Be present—Multitasking is a useful skill to have, but not when it takes away from quality time with your loved one.  When spending time with them, put your phone on silent, shut the computer down, etc.  It’s okay to send a cute text message to them while they’re at work about how excited you are for your date, but checking texts during a conversation sends the wronggg message.  They are worth your full attention, so give it to them!  And if you both absolutely must use electronics, set a block of time for you both to complete your tasks and then move on. 

6.  Break a bad habit together—If you and your partner share a habit that you wish to break—or each have your own—acknowledge that you both want to change and make a pact to help each other through it.  This support system will hold you both accountable and make your relationship stronger.

7.  The Little Things—Of course we love to be swept off our feet, but more often than not the little gestures are the best way to show your love.  Set the coffee machine to brew in the morning, open the car door, come home with their favorite candy bar from the store…just be conscientious and show you care.  They will love to know that you think of them lovingly throughout your day. 

8.  Keep it playful—Sadly, being a working adult does not allow for naptime and recess. But don’t bring the office home with you every day!  Watch a slapstick movie,talk in funny voices, leave secret notes for each other…or get creative! Throw pottery, make a finger painting for your home…the options are endless.  Channel your inner child and it will ensure that you guys won’t get bored. 

Using one, two, or all eight of these New Year’s couples resolutions can make your year even sweeter on so many levels.  If you want to document all the fun-loving things you do this year, take some photos in your CapsuleCam and put them into a capsule! ;) Happy 2013!