The first days of the new year are a time when people often promise themselves some resolution. Mostly we think about how to get rid of our vices and bad habits, but for those who have found their second half, it would be worth thinking about how to improve your relationship. Remember, every relationship, even the most beautiful, has room to grow and improve.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

It's hard to keep the resolution you promised yourself at the beginning of the new year. However, having an assistant will make things go more smoothly. Therefore, this year, instead of a personal resolution, it is better to choose at least one resolution for both of you.

1. COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER MORE OFTEN

The early stages of a relationship are full of nice gestures and sweet compliments.  It's true that when you've been dating for a long time, compliments don't come as often anymore. It's not because you don't love each other anymore. You are just used to each other. So let your goal this year be to say something sweet to each other more often! It will definitely make you both feel better.

2. LEARN SOMETHING NEW TOGETHER

Commit to learning at least one new thing in 2016 together. It can be anything! Windsurfing or ice skating! Maybe running together or singing in a mixed choir. Anything! The only rule is that it has to be something new that neither of you has done before and that you both like. Studying together not only brings the couple closer, but also develops you as individuals.

3. FORGIVE FOR PAST MISTAKES

Maybe your partner did something several months ago, to which you responded with "it will be fine", but you were silently angry. Could you forgive him in 2016? If not, there may be other options to consider. Being constantly dissatisfied, you hurt yourself more, and this definitely has a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse and those around you.

4. PRAISE MORE THAN CRITICIZE

Many of the stumbling blocks in relationships are caused by criticism. Ask yourself if arguing is worth it! Even if you are angry about what your loved one has done, take things in a more positive light. Also, don't forget to thank each other for seemingly insignificant things, praise each other and give compliments!

5. LISTEN

Don't talk over each other or try to finish each other's sentences. Allow your spouse to express himself, listen to him and show him that you have heard him. Remember, listening does not automatically mean agreeing with everything your partner says, as many may think. Listening is understanding and processing information. Therefore, even when they listen to you, don't get angry if they don't agree with you 100%. The differences that make us unique must be embraced.

6. GIVE UP

Differences of opinion and arguments are a normal part of any relationship, but it is important to resolve them properly so that the relationship does not suffer long-term consequences. One of the best ways to move forward is to compromise and show that you are willing to put aside your personal interests for the sake of strengthening the relationship.

7. NIGHT DATES

Spend more time together! Even the few hours before bed when you both come home from work. Take 15 minutes to eat dinner by candlelight or put on some music and dance. Make this time just the two of you - don't talk about problems, money or children at that time. So that you are sure that it is really a date - mark the planned day in the calendar like any other important date.

8. MAKE TIME FOR INTIMATE MOMENTS

If you are busy, intimate moments can take a backseat, but they are good for your relationship, improve your health and mood. Set aside time to be together and mark a day in your planners that you will also devote to these activities. Although Latvians often prefer not to talk about it, making love is an important part of a relationship. If routine has set in in this area, invest time and energy in planning how to recapture your former spark.

9. DO SOMETHING FUN ONE DAY EVERY MONTH

If you've been together for a long time, your everyday life has probably turned into a routine - but not everything in your relationship has to be serious. When was the last time you both jumped on a trampoline or went ice skating? This year, commit to doing something new, fun, and crazy together once a month. Having fun is a great way to combat stress, and this type of fun will also increase endorphins, or so-called happy hormones, which will be another added benefit in your relationship.

10. HELP EACH OTHER GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Relationships are not just a reflection of your good habits and character traits. If you or your spouse need to get rid of a bad habit - try it this year and promise to support each other! Let your loved one choose what they want to change and you support them as much as possible. It's nice to have someone who loves you by your side when you're trying to get better.

As with every new habit, the most difficult is the beginning, but, as relationship experts know how to tell, when you see the first results, the center in your brain that is responsible for the reward is activated, so you will unconsciously want to continue what you have started. Good luck with positive changes!