The Dating Couples Guide to Making new Years Resolutions
It's a tradition at the end of the year for families, couples and singles to reflect on the past and look ahead for the fresh changes they promise themselves to do on the first day of the new year. Unfortunately, those resolutions have a habit of quickly disappearing as the demands of living take precedence over hopes and wishes.
Planning ahead for another year of togetherness is just as important asplanning for marriage.
The challenges of making changes are difficult no matter what your status in life may be. Resolutions are no less easy for the dating couples who look forward to tie the knot in the new year. All the reflections of the past, however, can help couples get the motivation they need to make serious changes that can impact their future lives together. But what changes can they make and still stay motivated to make them as they approach the altar?
Open Dialog
The first thing a dating couple should understand is that openness is key to getting the next year off right. Traditional families tend to grow stale as honest conversation disappears among married couples and their children. Establishing communication is one of the first resolutions a couple should make as it builds the foundation for a future of marital bliss.
The Pros and Cons of the Relationship
As the days count down to the end of the year, reflecting on the past can help both partners see what changes must be made if their relationship is to stay fresh. No member of the courtship is perfect, so those final days are a great time to propose changes without the need to lay blame or accusations.
The Need for Quality Time
Young couples have a lifetime to look forward to. New Year's eve is a great time to spend more quality time together and continue the ritual the following year. Promising more quality time should become a priority instead of just a side note.
Being more Supportive
A dating couple can make a start by building a foundation where each promises to support the other. Each should express thankfulness and appreciation frequently so it becomes a habit through the rest of life. Trust is an important key to a lasting and happy relationship.
Understanding and Forgiveness
Every successful marriage is based on these fundamental keys. Everyone makes mistakes, but those mistakes should never become the basis for nagging and blame. Young dating couples facing marriage can make the resolution to be more understand and less suspicious of their partner.
Togetherness
Today's marriage is a fractured union. Husbands and wives seldom get together with their children for companionship. No relationship can survive for long when everyone goes their own to only meet for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and other events. A young couple can make the resolution to meet periodically and make it a habit so they don't fall out of love as long-term married couples do. Togetherness means also having similar interests. Doing things together is a good way to cement the relationship. Whether it's a hobby they do together or a goal they've set for themselves, they can achieve far more happiness than going their own way.
Joining the Social Circle
Most couples tend to become wrapped up in themselves through love for each other. But this often excludes those who could provide support and friendship through hard times. Keeping a social life going is healthy, whether that means conversation and laughter by the bonfire at the beach or a fraternity party. Making new friends can have a positive effect on a marriage.
These resolutions can help avoid many of the pitfalls many marriages fall into. Working each one takes time, but the results can lead to a lifetime of happiness for every dating couple.
