15 New Year's Resolutions for Couples to Start the New Year Right

Resolutions you won't leave behind by February.
Couple holding disco ball and kissing on New Year's, Couples New Year's resolutions
Photo: Stocksy
Hayley Folk
by
Hayley Folk
Hayley Folk
Hayley Folk
The Knot Contributor
  • Hayley writes articles on a freelance basis for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in sex and relationships.
  • Her work has appeared in The Knot, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and more.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Hayley was a full-time editor at a business publication.
Updated Nov 25, 2024

It's almost that time again: Toasting to the progress of the previous year, welcoming in the new things ahead of you, and of course, ringing in and sealing the New Year with an iconic kiss when the clock strikes twelve. But what about making intentional New Year's resolutions for couples? That's a great start.

"When two people share a vision and align on goals, it strengthens their bond," says Lachlan Brown, psychologist and author. "That's why I believe that couples who have healthy intimate relationships will always take care of making resolutions together."

If you and your honey are looking to start off with a perfect New Year resolution, you want to make couple's New Year's goals while posting an Instagram recap or you're just looking for ways to get your year started on the right foot together, we've got 15 amazing ideas to follow below.

In this article:

Why Couples Should Set New Year's Resolutions

Here's the thing: You might think that setting couples New Year's resolutions is silly or not helpful. But in reality, it can actually be helpful for your relationship and self. According to one study, it was found that romantic partners who coordinate with each other in pursuit of their personal goals are more likely to make progress in attaining them. On another note, when these partners made progress in reaching their goals, they were happier overall.

So when it comes to making a New Year's resolution for couples, whether you're married or just dating, it can be viewed in the same way. Joint resolutions turn personal growth into a team effort. "It's a subtle way to remind each other about accountability, share excitement and build a life that both partners feel deeply invested in," Brown explains. "Plus, tackling challenges together is simply more rewarding."

How to Set New Year's Resolutions as a Couple

Ready to make your own New Year's resolution list for couples? Simply sit down with your special someone and decide to do it together. "When you set them, each resolution is essentially a small promise that you're invested in the relationship and the life you're creating together," Brown explains.

This is a fun (and cute!) opportunity to create memories, celebrate wins and support each other's growth in a way that feels like true teamwork—even if not all your resolutions stick. It's making them that counts.

15 New Year's Resolutions for Couples

If you're into the idea, we've got fifteen expert-approved New Year's resolution ideas for couples to try out, below.

Go Tech-Free for One Night

"Make one evening each week completely tech-free," Brown suggests. "Set aside phones and screens to focus entirely on each other."

Share Moments of Appreciation

Another idea is to share one thing you appreciate about each other every day to build a daily habit of gratitude, he adds. It can be anything from thanking your partner for doing the dishes to telling them how much you value their support of your dreams.

Set a New Hobby or Skill to Try Together

If you're in the mood for fun New Year's resolutions for couples, consider trying out a new skill or hobby together. Maybe you've always wanted to learn how to cook a special meal, take French classes together or even dance classes.

Save a Set Amount of Money

Another way to make couples New Year's goals is to save money together. We get it: Finances can be a tough topic. But as a committed couple, they are not something to be ignored.

Start your New Year out right by setting a goal to save a certain amount of money for something you both want. It's a great way to stay accountable and also be rewarded with something in the end.

Build a New Wardrobe Together

Are you both sick and tired of the way you are feeling in your clothes? If so, we recommend setting a resolution to curate wardrobes that make you both feel your best (and confident in work, romance and life!) You can help build it out together and watch how your confidence soars.

Set Check-Ins

Another great resolution is to set check-ins with each other every Sunday to discuss feelings or any issues that may have surfaced during the week. While this might seem small, it's a mighty way to be intentional and thoughtful in your relationship, as it continues to grow and flourish,

The Weekly Surprise

"Choose one month in which you'll each plan a weekly surprise for the other," Brown suggests. "Small gestures like a love note, a treat or a spontaneous date."

Follow the Old (But Wise Adage)

You know that old (but wise) adage that you've heard time and time again? Never go to bed angry. It turns out, it's a saying for a reason. As a New Year's resolution idea, set out to commit to resolving any conflicts before going to bed to avoid letting tensions linger and build up.

Take a Weekend Getaway

If you don't get a lot of time together in your busy schedules, plan an annual weekend getaway to reconnect and fully focus on each other—which you'll never regret setting out to do.

Prioritize Walking Together

Take a morning or evening walk together daily, Brown adds, as a simple way to spend time and talk about your goals or dreams. It's a great way to connect and get in some light exercise.

Volunteer for a Cause You Both Care About

Dedicate one day each month to volunteer together for a cause that matters to both of you. That way, you can reinforce your shared values as a couple.

Adopt a Pet Together

Maybe you're both animal lovers, but it's never felt like the right time to adopt a pet. This year, consider setting a New Year's resolution to do your research and explore what it would be like to adopt a pet together. Even if you don't follow through, you've still done the work to figure it out as a couple, and that's the beauty of it.

Eat Your Greens

Maybe it feels cliché, but you should always eat your greens. Set a New Year's resolution to eat more greens daily and kickstart your health.

Book Tickets

Have you and your honey been talking about booking that trip to Italy? Or maybe you've been wanting to grab tickets for your favorite artist. Either way, one New Year resolution for couples could be to book tickets in the coming year for things that really align with what you both want to do for fun.

Go to Couple's Therapy

A huge one: Make a New Year's resolution list for couples that includes committing to couples therapy. There doesn't have to be anything wrong with your relationship to go, but deciding to do a session every month or even twice a month can be a great long-term investment in your future together.

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