This time of year is for making new goals. They usually reflect personal growth, but this year, why not throw in a few to focus on making your marriage better.
Here are some marriage resolutions to make your marriage even better this coming year.
1. Consistent date night
Every couple can do this. Money is no excuse! Little children are no excuse! Find a way, whether it's a walk around the block, a babysitting-swap or an at-home-date after all the kids are in bed. Make it special, and make it consistent.
2. Speak his love language
Speaking another language is hard! Speaking another love language might be even harder. My husband's love language is acts of service. Mine is quality time.
For years, I showed my husband that I loved him by being with him. That made me feel great, but him not so much. But when I clean out his office or make his favorite dinner, he feels loved. Make a conscious effort to speak your spouse's love language.
3. Pray together daily
This is a simple yet effective way to strengthen a marriage. Make a priority to share this sacred time together every single day.
4. Thank him for something specific each day
Feeling appreciated goes a long way, but just saying "thank you" in general can get old. Tell you spouse exactly why you appreciate them.
5. Have a new adventure together
Going through new experiences strengthens any relationship. You might learn some lessons, make each other laugh and you'll definitely make memories!
6. Get away for at least one night together
It doesn't need to be extravagant or expensive. Reserve a room in the city, or find someone to take your kids for a night while you enjoy your home in peace!
7. Let go of one of your pet peeves about him
We all do annoying things that drive our spouses crazy. Habits die hard. Is it really worth it to obsess about something so insignificant? If you do, it could potentially ruin your relationship.
8. Cultivate a new hobby together
My husband and I are complete opposites in almost every way, including our hobbies. We have always encouraged each other to pursue our own passions, but lately we have put extra effort into creating new interests together. This has strengthened our marriage even more!
9. Grow your personal relationship with Jesus
When growing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, your marriage will naturally strengthen.
10. Only speak positively about him
Confession: During the first year of our marriage, I wasn't the best at this. Venturing into marriage is a brand new territory for most of us. Dealing with everything that goes along with it can be hard. You want to vent to your mom or to your girlfriends so you don't feel alone. Before you do that, make sure your husband is the first to know about your concerns. Then, if you need a third-party opinion, ask in a neutral way giving your husband the benefit of the doubt.
How will you make your marriage better this coming year?