Life

6 New Year's Resolutions About Love

by Chelsey Grasso

With a new year comes a new chance to take a look at areas in your life you want to focus on and improve. These six New Year's resolutions about love are meant to help you do just that. Whether you're in a relationship or flying solo, there's likely something that you can improve about the way you think about love.

Resolutions are very specific to the person who's making them. Depending on what your life is like, there may be one area you want to focus on more than somebody else might. These resolutions about love are no exception. They might contradict each other in certain areas, which is why you really have to think about your situation and what might benefit it the most. Balance is always best, so whatever you're not doing enough of now is a safe bet for what you should be doing more of in the new year.

Take a read through, determine which resolution suits you best, and have at it. And one final word of encouragement — a resolution doesn't have to end as soon as you break it. Stay positive, and don't get down on yourself if you slip up on a resolution. Showing persistence is just as impressive as going strong with a good record.

1. Learn to love yourself, first.

They say that you always find love after you stop looking for it. That may or may not be true, but I can tell you that it's not healthy (or necessary) to constantly be looking for love in life. Learn to love yourself, appreciate your friends and family, and not rely on a relationship to define you.

2. Expand your social circle.

Some people could benefit from coming out of their shells a little bit more. I'm not saying you have to start going out five nights a week, but becoming more open to mingling when the opportunity arises is never a bad idea. You never know where you might find somebody that turns into more than just an acquaintance.

3. Learn more about yourself.

Sometimes, the reason somebody can't find or stay in a healthy relationship is because there's not enough self understanding. You can't love somebody else until you know how to love yourself, right? Right.

4. If you're in a relationship, try to give more than you receive.

So often we look to our significant other to make us happy, but true love asks for nothing. True love gives everything. Instead of focusing on what you can receive from your boyfriend or girlfriend, focus on what you can give.

5. If you're in a relationship, spend more time alone.

Many times relationships can consume individuals. Of course, many of us go through that honeymoon stage when we first start dating someone, but once you've been together for a while, it's important to reattain a sense of independence.

6. If you're in a relationship, schedule more time together.

Conversely, in today's busy world, it's quite possible that you're neglecting to spend enough time together with your significant other. Set aside time on a regular basis when you can devote your full attention to your love. It's important.

Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our new podcast,I Want It That Way, which delves into the difficult and downright dirty parts of a relationship, and find more on our Soundcloud page.

Images: Fotolia; Giphy (6)