When I reflect on my time as a newlywed (nearly six years ago), I think about all the growing my husband and I have done together. Being able to develop a strong foundation in those first months and years is important for the long-term success of your relationship. Tackling growth challenges together can help strengthen your bond, improve communication, and build resilience in your relationship. Consider taking on one of these challenges with your spouse.
1. Develop a Financial Plan Together
Finances can put a strain on any relationship, especially if you avoid talking about it. Sit down and come up with a financial plan together. This can help you pinpoint common goals, like saving for a home or planning for retirement. You can bond over coming up with a plan to make these things happen. You should also do regular check-ins to ensure you’re still on the same page. It also gives you the chance to adjust goals and celebrate milestones. Managing your money together can help set the stage for future financial stability and trust.
2. Practice Open and Honest Communication
Another growth challenge you should try out with your spouse early on is practicing open and honest communication. Knowing how to express your thoughts and feelings is crucial for successfully navigating life together. Overcoming these hurdles early on can prevent future misunderstandings and problems in your relationship.
3. Set Health and Fitness Goals as a Couple
At one point and time, my husband and I lost more than 200 pounds combined together. We were dedicated to health and fitness. We set goals and reached them. Early in our marriage, doing this really helped us bond over common goals. It also gave us the opportunity to support each other, which is an important part of any relationship. Building a healthy lifestyle as a couple reinforces your commitment to a long, happy life together.
4. Establish Boundaries with Family and Friends
Boundaries can be hard to talk about, especially early on in a relationship or marriage. However, it’s important to establish boundaries with family and friends. While this is challenging, doing so will help you both feel supported and respected in the relationship, which is important. This might include setting limits on how often family visits, talking about expectations for holidays, or handling friend dynamics. Discussing these things early on will help you create a sense of unity and potentially avoid arguments.
5. Build a Strong Conflict Resolution Strategy
Conflicts are going to come up in any relationship. However, knowing how to handle them in a productive manner is important for maintaining a healthy marriage. Pinpointing a conflict resolution strategy will help you work through things in a calm manner. This teamwork approach turns conflicts into opportunities for growth.
6. Work on Shared and Personal Hobbies
Maintaining your own personal interests and pursuing new shared hobbies together will help keep things exciting in your relationship. You might consider taking a cooking class together, hiking, or painting. Whatever the hobby might be, it can bring fun into the relationship. At the same time, maintaining your own personal interests will allow you to retain your individual identity as well. Ultimately, embracing each other’s interests promotes understanding and closeness.
7. Practice Gratitude Daily
Being thankful and showing gratitude in your relationship can foster positivity and contentment. Try taking on a challenge to practice daily gratitude. You could share three things you’re thankful for every night before going to sleep. This reinforces the good things in your relationships. It can also help you focus on the positives, even during tough times.
8. Plan for Personal Growth and Career Development
Another great thing you can do to strengthen your relationship is to support one another’s career and personal goals. Discussing these things can help create a sense of purpose and mutual encouragement. In the end, having the support of your spouse is invaluable.
Grow Together, Stay Strong Together
These growth challenges can help you build a foundation of trust in your marriage. As newlyweds, there are a lot of obstacles you’ll face. Focusing on common goals, looking for ways to bond, and supporting each other will help you push through. Growth is a shared journey in marriage and each new challenge brings insight into your partner and your future together.