16 Powerful Relationship Resolutions for 2024

A couple holding a heart in the sunlight. Above is written Relationship Resolutions.

Do you want to take your relationship to the next level?

A strong, supportive, and loving relationship is one of the most beautiful things you can have in life. It is absolutely amazing to have someone who you can trust, who always has your back, and who makes your life a lot easier. However, you have to put in some work to get to that stage. The most amazing relationships are built through hard work, and everyone has to accept responsibility and know that your well being depends on each other.

If you are willing to set yourself some relationship resolutions and put in the work, then you can bring your relationship to new heights in a matter of weeks.

Here are my favorite and most powerful resolutions:

  • Stop lying to each other and build undeniable trust instead:
  • Learn about your partner’s goals and dreams. You need to understand what motivates your loved one in order to build a real intimate connection.
  • Set common goals. Nothing will create a stronger bond than achieving your dreams together.
  • Change the way you argue. If you manage to solve your conflicts without hurting each other, you can really start moving forward together. Because you know you can talk about everything with your partner.

What are the 16 relationship resolutions that you can take in 2024?

Maybe you are wondering what resolutions we can take together to level up our relationship. Asking this question is definitely the most important step; it means that you are willing to work on yourself and on your relationship. There are countless things that you can do; some are very simple and require little time and effort, while others are more difficult and need more time. In the end, it comes down to your unique situation.

I suggest that you read through all of them and then, ideally, with your spouse, pick two or three you want to focus on the next time.

1. Stop lying about the small stuff, even if it is done in good faith

I believe honesty to be one of the most important virtues in life. Especially in relationships, it is vital to practice honesty to build trust. Brushing off little white lies as harmless is easy, but even well-intentioned lies can reduce trust in a relationship.

Commit to being honest with your partner, even when it is about unimportant topics. Just imagine the feeling of connection you would have if you were sure that you and your partner were always honest with each other. Be prepared that it will get difficult because telling the truth will definitely also lead to conflict. Solving those conflicts the right way is the next skill to master.

2. Change the way you solve conflicts

a couple standing back to back. He seems angry she seems sad.

Usually, when we are in a discussion, we want to win it, and we often tend to destroy our opponents with our arguments. This approach may work in business or politics. However, it is not suited for solving conflicts with your partner.

You are not trying to destroy her/him; you are a team, and you should search for a solution together. This should be reflected in your communication.

Also, try to respect and consider their points of view. Listen carefully to their arguments and show that you understand them. Make sure you say exactly what you mean without causing any unnecessary harm. Respect their feelings and consider how your words might affect them.

A good idea is first to think how you would react to those words and only then speak them.

3. Change how you think about your partner

It is always easy to judge others, and especially in a romantic relationship, it is easy to blame your partner, but that won’t get you anywhere.

Try to see your loved one in a better light and think more positively about him or her. When they do something you do not understand, try taking their points of view and asking them before you judge.

This takes some time to adapt, but it is definitely worth it. Just ask yourself if you want to be together with a selfish prick of a wonderful person. Maybe it is just your point of view that makes the difference.

4. Spend more time as a couple with friends and family

It is important that you balance the time you spend alone and socializing with others. Being together around other people can help you strengthen your bond, and you can create a stronger feeling of being in one family. That enhances feelings of belonging and connection.

So, attend and even plan some outings or gatherings with your extended circle and enjoy those shared experiences.

A extended family sitting and eating around a table in a garden

5. Go to bed at the same time

The time before you go to sleep can be the perfect time to cuddle together, feel closer, and share some of the most intimate thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful for your love life, so maybe plan in some extra time 😉

It also simply creates a more healthy sleep pattern for both of you. You will be physically healthier and have more energy for your relationship.

A young man and a woman sleeping next to each other in spoon position.

6. Learn about your partner’s goals and dreams

This is key!!

You need to know what your partner really values and what he wants to achieve in his life. By understanding what drives them, you gain insight into their passions and perspectives. Only then can you build a supportive relationship.

Show genuine interest in your partner’s interests and provide support wherever you can. In this way, you can build a deeper bond based on understanding.

7. Never go down a path you do not want

The last thing that you want in a relationship is to evolve in a particular direction only to be told that your partner never really wanted to take that path.

That is why you need to communicate once you cross your boundaries. Putting the other person’s needs before yours is an act of love. However, you should not do this when it comes to big life decisions. You are of no help to your partner when you are in a situation you do not want to be in.

Again, this can lead to conflict in the short term but prevent bigger ones in the long term.

8. Learn more about your partner’s love language

Everyone is different. Words that lead to a strong emotional reaction in one person may have no effect on another person. It is important to know how your partner expresses love. You want to be able to make your partner feel loved, and you also want to know when he tries the same.

Generally, there are three types of communication styles: the auditive one, which needs to get told that you love him/her; the visual type, which needs to see it through gifts and gestures; and there is the kinesthetic one, which relies more on physical touch. This is, of course, a simplification, but it is a useful one.

9. Do couples therapy

If you are facing a problem that seems too big to handle alone, do not be afraid to seek professional help. It does not matter if you are trying to save your marriage or a newer relationship, and there is no shame in doing so; quite the difference, I see it as an act of love and commitment.

A illustration of and old couple sitting on a bank and talking.

Couples therapy provides a safe space to work through issues and improve communication skills. Through guided sessions, you’ll learn effective conflict resolution strategies and strengthen the foundation of your relationship.

In the US, 97% of couples said they got valuable help from the treatment, and about 70% reported recovery within 2 years.

10. Set some common goals

In a relationship, it is important that everyone has space for his own goals and dreams. But I think it is equally important to have a common dream that you work on together. It could be anything from growing a business to traveling the world to building a family. Having something to work on together will deepen your bonds and help you move in the same direction.

Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way—it’s all about enjoying the journey together.

11. Prioritize Evening Conversations

I see a lot of couples that live on autopilot; they come home, eat, watch TV, discuss the next day, and go to bed. They often don’t even have one meaningful conversation that makes them feel closer. That is not what I imagine when I think about my dream relationship.

Try to have meaningful conversations in the evening. Don’t only talk about what happened during the day and household chores; talk about how you are feeling. Try to connect on a deeper level and understand your partner better. This is key to healthy relationships.

12. Try new things

It is easy to fall into a pattern and take your relationship for granted. To keep the love and the passion alive, you also need to step out of your comfort zone and try new things and new experiences. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, exploring a different cuisine, learning a new skill, going on an adventure, or spicing things up in bed, bringing novelty into your relationship can help reignite the spark and is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.

13. Try holding hands when arguing

Studies have shown that holding hands with your partner during a fight can improve communication, increase positive emotions, and reduce stress.

Try it out. You have nothing to lose. It is best to start the conversation by holding hands. This will most likely help you stay calmer and more connected during the conversation, which could make a big difference.

14. Plan more dates

Date nights are about spending quality time together, and they are essential for maintaining a strong connection in your romantic relationships. By scheduling dates and committing to them, you show your partner that they are a priority. If your schedule allows it, then once a week seems to be the perfect amount.

A couple sitting at t table having a date and looking engaged.

I personally find it interesting that the conversation is usually a little different on dates. Probably because you are sitting there vis-a-vis in a nice ambiance, and talking is the only thing you really can do. Use this time to deepen your connection, be there, listen actively, and have some fun together.

I am sure if you do it right you will soon look forward to those dates.

15. Try to understand instead of solving problems

This is a big one for the men out there, but it is also important for the women. People, and especially women, want to be understood. They rarely communicate to get their problems solved by you; women tend to use their problems to establish a connection.

So, men, if she talks about a problem, do not try to solve it; instead, listen, show that you understand her, and ask her about how she is feeling. It is quite surprising how conversation can change once you begin to understand each other better.

16. Less phone time

Let’s keep it simple. Sitting next to each other and only looking into your phone is not quality time spent together. Try to limit your phone time, especially in the evening and in the mornings, but also throughout the day if you are spending it together. It can, in general, improve your life and increase your overall happiness. Even watching TV is better than hanging on your phone. At least you are doing the same things, and you can cuddle and talk.

a few graphics of phones with a prohibition sign with the text Reduce Phone usage at home.

Where to start?

It is important that you start small. There are many relationship resolutions that you can make, but it is important that you really focus on the ones that you make. You would rather only make one work than try to do ten things at once and fail at most of them. Please do not force it; try to have fun and enjoy the things you do together. This is about you as a pair. Still, everyone should focus on how he himself is applying the resolutions. Judging rarely helps you in a relationship.

Don’t forget to talk. Talk, Talk, Talk. This is the most important tip I can give you. To have an amazing relationship, you need to communicate your feelings and needs.

Wrapping up

What I have written here are no fancy techniques; I think most of it is common knowledge. You simply have to do it. It worked for me, and it worked for many others as well; I am sure that I will work for you as well. Working on your relationship resolutions is a wonderful thing to do; it can be fun, it can be challenging, and it can be incredibly fulfilling.

Just be sure that you know the reasons why you are doing all this, and start today.