Resolutions 13. Money, Money, Money

 New Beginnings

I know some of you are go getters and want to be just a little better than all the rest of us.  This extra resolution is for those over achievers who just want to go the extra mile. 

13.  Money is often a huge matter of tension in a relationship.  Stop fighting about money and make a realistic budget that you can stick to.  A great tip that I've used is making envelopes for different spending items, such as groceries, date nights, home supplies, birthdays, hygiene, lunch, gas, medical, clothes, etc.  Decide together how much you are allowed to spend for each item during a one month period.  Place the decided amount of money into each envelope for spending during the month.  Make a deal to only use what is in the envelopes as your spending money, no more cards or checks.   Save your receipts and tally the spending amounts on the envelope.  Write deductions on the envelopes to help you keep track.  At the end of the month evaluate and make adjustments for the following month.   When you actually have your money in hand, you will find that you are more frugal with your spending.  Which means you will save money and fight less!!!

There are 12 or 13 (for the go getters) to focus on during the year.  Take one resolution a month and work on it.  Ring in the new year by improving your relationship this year.

As the year progresses I will post a resolution each month to remind you about your goals and to make each other a priority!

Happy New Year!!!  I love the promises of the New Year.  I always feel like I've got a fresh start with unlimited possibilities.  I hope you look forward to all that is to come with your spouse during this New Year!

Now go start the New Year off right with an intimate party for just the two of you!!!

Resolutions 12. Stop Being So Serious

 New Beginnings

12.  Don't take yourself too seriously.  Don't forget to laugh.  Remember how you used to laugh at each other's jokes and life seemed to be light hearted? Don't lose your sense of humor, even when it comes to problem solving.  Laughter is the best medicine. 

Resolutions 11. Fight Fair

 New Beginnings 

11. Learn how to fight fairly. Conflict is inevitable.  How you fight can be the difference between lifelong relationship growth and divorce.  Learn how to have constructive conversations about heated issues. 

Resolutions 10. From the Heart

 New Beginnings

10.  Speak from the heart frequently.  Regular discussions about personal emotional issues makes people feel closer and more connected. 

Resolutions 09. Brag

 New Beginnings

09.  Brag about your spouse in their presence.  We should say all the good things we think about our spouse so they hear our thoughts.  Speaking about your spouse in front of others shows your spouse that you are proud of them and that makes them feel good about their accomplishments as your spouse. 

Resolutions 08. Flirting

 New Beginnings

08.  Touch, flirt, and have sex often.  Remember what it was like during your honeymoon years.  Press the rewind button and pretend you're newlyweds and enjoy the sizzle. 

Resolutions 07. Happy Sleeping

 New Beginnings

07.  Don't go to sleep angry.  This is not always easy, especially when you think you are right.  But if you can really let go and say sorry before you go to sleep, you will wake to a fresh start in the morning.  

Resolutions 06. Three Things

 New Beginnings

06.  Tell your spouse three things you appreciate about them every day.  Focus on what you enjoy about your spouse and what works in your relationship. 

Resolutions 05. 10 Minutes

 New Beginnings

05.  Spend at least 10 minutes every day checking in with each other with no distractions.  Don't let the day pass without finding out how your spouse is doing.

Resolution 04. Get Healthy

New Beginnings 

04.  Make a goal to get healthy together. Eat cleaner, shape up at the gym, or get your heart pumping with evening walks. Take 30 minutes or even an hour out of each day to focus on health. You will look better on the outside and feel better on the inside. This will help to strengthen your physical relationship and your mental relationship. It will affect you both in more ways then you can imagine. Oh and of course this will help to rev up your love life in the sack as well!!! 

Resolutions 03. Read

New Beginnings

03.  Resolve to read at least one book on how to strengthen your relationship.

Resolutions 02. Intimate Ideas

New Beginnings

02.  Think of 12 new intimate ideas you would like to incorporate in the bedroom this year. A few intimate ideas that should help you start your list: new positions, toys, body desserts, or different locations. Pick one day each month to make your wishes come true. 

Resolutions 01. Date Nights

New Beginnings

Making Number ONE What Matters Most

What can you do for your marriage in 2012?   Try making a New Year’s resolution to improve your relationship.  New Years is right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about New Year's resolutions. Are you planning on getting in shape, eating healthier, or excelling at work? How many of you have decided to be a better husband or wife? Shouldn't the person that matters the most be on the top of our goal list? This year pick a goal that focuses on your spouse and make that #1 on your goal list.

01.  Schedule several “Date Nights” for the first few months of the year.  

12 more ideas to come, stay tuned.