As 2018 comes to a close, many people will reflect on their year and make New Year’s resolutions. We all know the big ones: lose weight, quit smoking, and so on.

New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to decide on what you want to change, but they are often limited to personal habits. For 2019, try making resolutions with your partner… and work on ways to fall deeper in love.

Here are just a few suggestions from an experience Delaware marriage counselor that you and your partner can use to strengthen your bond and address any issues within your marriage.

Check in. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple, “Are you okay?” to get the conversation going. Do not let unresolved issues or feelings stay hidden. Make a resolution to check in with your partner regularly.

Put down the phone. Once you ask the question, work on listening to the answer. These days, we are often so caught up in our smartphones that we do not see or hear what’s happening in front of us. When you are talking to your partner, put down the phone and stay in the present moment.

Make dinner together. Buy a recipe book and resolve to make each recipe together throughout the year. When you cook with your partner, you can learn new skills and spend quality time communicating. Plus, if your personal resolution is to lose weight, you’ll probably be able to feed two birds with one hand.

Try something new. Take your partner on an adventure with you. Expose yourself to something completely new and grow together. It could be a new meal, a new activity – you name it. The weirder and wackier, the better!

Help each other with your personal resolutions. New Year’s resolutions can be a personal pursuit, but you may get more done as a team. If your partner wants to lose weight, for example, resolve to go to the gym with them a few times a week. If your resolution is to finish your novel, ask your partner to hold you accountable.

Commit to stretching together, and you’ll both enjoy a closer 2019!