10 Resolutions Every Couple Should Make for 2023

1. Spend at least 30 minutes talking every day — without distractions.

It should come as no surprise that the focused attention required by a face-to-face conversation nurtures the connection between two people. For his 2010 book Connect to Love, researcher and psychotherapist M. Gary Neuman interviewed hundreds of women and found that happy — and faithful — wives spend, on average, more than 30 minutes a day talking with their husbands. A decade later, that advice is even more important with Instagram and Slack in the palms of our hands, constantly demanding our attention. If you're struggling with feeling connected, commit to spending a minimum of 30 minutes a day talking without any distractions from screens and your relationship will undoubtedly be better for it.

2. Make a list of each other's triggers to avoid conflict.

We tend to pick partners that have both the positive and negative traits of our parents (yes, really) and as a result, we can trigger each other's old wounds. We all have triggers, blind spots, and bad communication habits that prevent us from healthy communication. Being aware of what they are is the first step toward changing them. Sit down together and make a list for one another of the things that are guaranteed triggers in conversations together. This can help you both avoid emotional landmines so you can work through conflict more calmly. It can also keep you less reactive when you are able to say, "I believe you are aware that is number five on my trigger list. Please don't say that to me unless you are trying to trigger me."

3. Commit to taking a “time out” before things get too heated.

When an argument gets too heated, it ceases to be productive. Most couples can benefit from a cool-down period during an argument. It's important for you to establish this before taking a break, so your partner doesn't think you are simply walking away, but rather trying to avoid "fighting dirty" or saying something you'll later regret. It's helpful to say, "I think I need a time-out right now. I am too upset to think straight and need some time to calm down. Let's check back in an hour." Learning to take a loving time-out is a valuable skill every couple can benefit from.

4. At least once a day, let your partner know something they do that you appreciate.

Studies by psychologists Sara Algoe and Amie Gordon found that couples who show gratitude for each other are more satisfied in their relationships, feel closer to each other, and are more likely to stay together. In another study, Gordon found that gratitude in a relationship creates a positive cycle of generosity — one partner's gratitude for the other prompts both partners to think and act in ways that show gratitude, and promotes a desire to hold on to their relationship. In addition to being more committed, their research found that couples who were more grateful and appreciative of each other also listened to each other more attentively and had more positive body language. All couples go through rough patches, but looking at your partner's positive qualities and strengths rather than their shortcomings can help you feel more grateful for the relationship.

Neuman's research also highlights the importance of creating a culture of appreciation in your relationship. He notes that the most common cause of emotional dissatisfaction reported by male cheaters is feeling underappreciated. We tend to take for granted the things we expect of our partner, but we all need to feel validated. Bottom line: Choosing to create a positive cycle of appreciation in your relationship is an essential resolution to set for 2023.

5. Be more affectionate and emotionally responsive.

A pioneer in the psychology of relationships, Ted Huston can predict divorce with shocking accuracy. Back in 1981, he launched PAIR, the Processes of Adaptation in Intimate Relationships project, in which he followed 168 couples from marriage through the first thirteen years of marriage. His research found that the most significant interpersonal dynamic that predicted divorce was the loss of love and affection.

Now decades old, Huston's takeaway can still be applied to any relationship today: Rather than solely focusing on resolving conflict (still an important resolution to make!) it's just as important to focus on preserving your positive feelings towards each other, too. Since everyone expresses love and affection differently (you've probably heard of the five 'love languages') it's important to communicate about your needs — whether it's words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch.

6. Make a bucket list.

The pandemic led to a lot of canceled plans, including vacations, concerts and shows, and other exciting spontaneous adventures as a couple. But now, it's time to make sure you bring that spontaneity back. Make a list of all the things you are both excited to do together in the coming year, whether it's taking that big trip or going to a Broadway play. This will help elevate your mood and give you both something to look forward to.

7. Connect throughout the day.

Obviously, this is especially important if you're in a long-distance relationship where a face-to-face conversation isn't possible, but even if you're both working from home in different rooms of the house, checking in virtually can make a big difference. In a study called "Using Technology to Connect in Romantic Relationships," researchers found that texting to express affection was associated with higher reported partner attachment for both men and women. Even if you have a frazzled day of back-to-back meetings, sending a quick text to your partner once a day to let them know you are thinking about them and that you love them can go a long way.

8. If you live together, have a once-a-week business meeting.

Once a week set aside time to discuss household chores, finances, schedules, and any other family business. Talk about what is working well and what isn't so you can make adjustments. Try to keep this meeting on the same day, at the same time each week, and limit it to no more than thirty minutes. Having this weekly forum can prevent talking about domestic responsibilities during a romantic dinner and just knowing you have a weekly platform to talk over any issues can lower tension.

9. Commit to a weekly date night.

Studies show that couples who have monthly date nights are less likely to break up. It makes sense: This focused time together nurtures the connection and the bond. Having something to look forward to can also help to get you through those stressful weeks that will inevitably arise.

10. Up your sex game.

Because asking for what you want is so hard for most people — and because our needs, fantasies, and the things that turn us on change over time — I recommend that couples communicate about sex on a regular basis. We also tend to take for granted (especially when we know how to get our partner off) that we know everything about our partner sexually. This is a dangerous assumption because there is always more to learn. No matter how great your sex life is, there is always something new that you can both try to bring great pleasure to your partnership.

Without ongoing communication, small sexual desires may slip through the cracks or you may be too nervous to express something big that you want to try. As a result, I created a sexual inventory in my book The Relationship Fix: Dr. Jenn's 6-Step Guide to Improving Communication, Connection & Intimacy for couples to take together once a year. Every couple that I have ever worked with has been amazed to discover something new about their partner after taking the inventory together.

In Hump Day, award-winning psychotherapist and TV host Dr. Jenn Mann answers your sex and relationship questions — unjudged and unfiltered.