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At the start of a new year, you may be thinking intentionally about the year ahead and taking the time to set out goals and dreams for the year ahead. As a couple, this could be a good time to look at ways you can strengthen your bond and build a thriving marriage. A healthy, flourishing relationship takes intentionality, effort, and a shared vision. Here are some practical suggestions to ensure your marriage remains vibrant and fulfilling in the year ahead.
1. Planning your finances for the year
Money can be a significant source of stress in any relationship, but with proactive planning, you can turn financial challenges into opportunities for teamwork and growth. A new year is a great time to sit down as a couple and map out your monthly income, expenses, and savings goals. Use this as a chance to align on priorities. You can plan for unexpected expenses by setting up an emergency fund for unplanned events like medical bills or car repairs, providing peace of mind for both of you. It’s also a good idea to allocate funds for gifts, holidays, celebrations, or other meaningful experiences like family trips or a romantic getaway. If you have children, discuss the costs of their education, activities, and other needs openly to avoid conflicts later on. You can read more about working out a budget for your marriage here and keeping control of your finances here.
2. Scheduling regular times together
Quality time is essential for maintaining connection and intimacy in your marriage. Dedicate one evening each week to a date night (read more in our blog post about date nights here), whether it’s dining out, enjoying a movie, or cooking at home. In The Marriage Book, Nicky and Sila also explain that it’s a good idea to plan a full day for just the two of you every four to six months, engaging in activities like hiking, a spa day, or exploring a new city. If possible, schedule 2-3 days for a romantic getaway each year to reignite passion and allow space for deeper conversations. Balance this with shared experiences involving family and friends to foster a supportive community around your relationship.
3. Setting goals for the year
Goal-setting as a couple can bring clarity, direction, and a sense of shared purpose to your marriage. Encourage each other to pursue personal growth by discussing individual aspirations, such as learning a new skill, focusing on health and fitness, or advancing in a career. Once you know your individual goals, it’s a good practice to set some shared goals as a couple, too – like improving communication, taking a course together, or trying a new hobby as a pair. If one partner wants to run a marathon and the other is focused on mastering a new language, find ways to support each other while keeping shared goals like planning a debt-free vacation in mind. For family goals, consider milestones like buying a home, starting a family, or creating more traditions.
4. Nurturing sexual intimacy
Sexual intimacy is an essential aspect of a thriving marriage and should not be overlooked. While scheduling intimacy might sound strange or even clinical, it actually can be incredibly beneficial in ensuring that physical connection remains a priority amidst busy timetables. Regular intimacy fosters emotional closeness, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between partners. Set aside time for intimacy, just as you would for other important activities, and use it as an opportunity to reconnect on a deeper level. Communicating openly about your needs and desires can further enhance your physical and emotional connection. These 5 tips for sex and intimacy maybe helpful as you discuss this area of your marriage.
5. Building spiritual connection
A shared spiritual life serves as a cornerstone of a strong marriage. You can strengthen your bond by taking time to pray together regularly, inviting God into your relationship and seeking His guidance for your marriage and family. Attending church services as a couple or family also provides a sense of community and shared purpose. Consider reading scripture or working through a devotional together in the year ahead, using this as a foundation for meaningful conversations about faith and values. Partnering with one another and supporting your spouse’s spiritual journey can deepen trust, provide comfort in challenges, and reinforce the commitment you have to each other and to God.
6. Looking back to move forward
Reflection is a powerful tool for growth.Before diving into the new year, it’s a wonderful habit to take some time and review the past year together. Celebrate accomplishments, big and small, such as overcoming challenges, achieving goals, or simply supporting each other through tough times. Discuss difficult moments and what they taught you, using these lessons to create strategies for handling similar situations in the future. Based on your reflections, you can then decide what habits or patterns you want to continue and what you’d like to change moving forward.
Marriage is a journey that thrives on love, intentionality, and teamwork. By setting aside time to focus on your finances, quality time, goal setting, nurturing intimacy, spiritual connection and reflection, you can set the stage for a fulfilling and connected year together. May the year ahead be one in which your marriage truly thrives!
