19 Relationship Resolutions to Make for 2019

When you're both in the parenting trenches or focusing on your day-to-day needs, it can be easy to let expressions of gratitude fall by the wayside. But research shows gratitude is important to maintain intimate bonds—and it's not just about how often you say "thank you," but how appreciated the other person feels. So, this year, make a resolution to let your partners know that their sacrifices and efforts are seen. Express it in a hug, a statement of appreciation or a small act of gratitude.

Rekindle the spark between you two by doing something exciting and active together. Go rock climbing, go dancing or revisit your favorite amusement park ride. Plan exciting activities regularly to keep you feeling emotionally and physically connected.

Check in regularly with one another, even if you have to schedule 15 minutes in your calendar for a walk together or create a reminder to talk over dinner. Give each other the chance to share not just what you did that day, but how you felt, what you learned, your personal struggles and your goals. Quality time really makes a difference.

On a related note, quality time also means putting that damn phone away. Talk to your partners with the intention of giving them your full attention. That means refraining from multitasking and removing devices from your line of sight. Truly be in each other's presence.

A couple who laughs together, stays together. Research from the University of Kansas shows the importance of sharing laughing together for a happier relationship (but not negative humor that attack or belittle your partner.) So, crack more jokes, bring out your inner child, do something you're bad at or let your dorky side shine. Don't be afraid to be silly.

"Sex makes you feel good, not just because it releases more hormones or endorphins but also because you will feel more affection with your partner," clinical psychologist Anik Debrot told CNN. Debrot was the lead author of a series of four studies that suggest having more sex can lead to more affectionate relationships, even for those who are long past the honeymoon period. For 2019 and beyond, don't leave sex on the backburner.

Somehow along the way, some of us may have stopped listening to our partners' needs and complaints. For 2019, work to practice listening again—truly listening—to understand and respond to your partner. Let them talk (without talking over them), make eye contact, ask open-ended questions and let them know they're heard. You don't have to agree with what they say, but you can show you care.

There may be issues, arguments, little troubles along the way in every relationship. But be intentional about saying and doing positive things for your partner every day. The "magic relationship ratio," according to psychologists, is that happy couples have at least five positive interactions for every negative one. So, do some extra chores today, prep their coffee in the morning, compliment them, hold their hand. Show them small signs of affection every day to bring you both a little closer.

Being passive-aggressive, or indirectly expressing your anger and letting it simmer, can be harmful to a relationship. When something is wrong, take the time to chill out, then speak honestly and openly about your feelings, and what triggered the upset. Find closure together. For 2019, resolve to make healthy communication a priority.

Another key to healthy communication is to make fewer assumptions. Sometimes, we assume the worst or try to predict what our partners are feeling and what they mean. Avoid fights and misunderstanding by stopping yourself when an assumption arises. Ask your partner for clarity and consider other scenarios, reasons or alternatives your partner may have been, say, later than they promised or neglected a chore.

Slip in an "I love you" when your partner wakes up, when you hold their hand or just because. Giving your partner your full attention as you say these three words is a small gesture that provides a sense of security and reminds them of your affection.

Make 2019 the year you talk with your partner openly about finances. Address incomes, debts, financial goals you both have to better gauge if you and your partner are financially compatible. The new year is also a good time for those further in their relationships to re-evaluate your financial situations, savings plans and bucket lists.

Kiss your partner like you did in the early days and kiss more often. Studies show that smooching frequently is one of the things associated with high relationship satisfaction. Release your happy hormones and pucker up!

Relationships that help you grow as individuals are incredibly valuable. Unless you strongly object to your partner's suggestions, don't automatically say no to ideas that push you out of your comfort zone. Resolve to try something new with your partner in 2019.

No one "wins" when a fight leaves a relationship more strained than before. Being on the same team means being aware of our own faults and learning to apologize sincerely. This new year, focus on self-reflection and how your strengths and weaknesses affect your relationships. Expressing regret can open up communication and reconnect you with your partner in new and stronger ways.

The flip side of the coin is to learn to forgive. Forgiveness isn't easy, especially when the person who hurts you is someone you love or is closest to you. But couples who forgive each other are happier than those who don't. And people who practice forgiveness are mentally and physically healthier. Forgiveness could mean dropping the case and refraining from bringing up a slew of your partner's past mistakes in an argument, or maybe accepting that a conflict happened and learning to let go of your anger.

It's a huge weight to be a person's sole confidant. For your partner to be your only source of support and love can be draining and puts a huge pressure on your relationship. (Plus, your partner doesn't know the answer to everything!) Everyone needs a mental break, so for 2019, turn to your family, friends, community or a therapist more often during tough times. This new sense of balance can also give your significant other the space to share their reflections and emotions as well.

Repair the little upsets early and often in your relationship. Instead of getting defensive or offering excuses, and instead of focusing on who's right and who's wrong, think about how to meet in the middle and offer empathy for your partner's perspective. Think up strategies together on how to deal with disagreements and air grievances before they turn into something much bigger and harder to resolve.

Whether it's tackling a fitness plan together, volunteering together or taking a class together, find a goal that you both want to achieve in 2019 and work on it as team. Make this year the year you'll grow together.