Do you want a better relationship in 2018?
It’s easy to get off track with your New Year’s Resolutions when you’re the only one holding yourself accountable.
If you’re in a relationship, though, you have a leg up: When you set goals as a couple, you’re far more likely to keep each other focused on achieving them.
What are the best types of resolutions to make with your partner?
Below, marriage therapists and counsellors share seven resolutions that could make your relationship happier and healthier in 2018.
1. We’ll commit to small, measurable changes in our behaviour
“Ask your partner if they’d be willing to test something out with you. Say that you’d like your partner to name something in everyday life they’d like you to change. And you’ll do the same. Start small.
2.We’ll break up with our iPhones
“Divorce your phones this year. When you’re spending quality time together, park your phones at the door. Better still, shut them off when you’re spending couple or family time.
3. We’ll commit to becoming better people for each other
This resolution has you both focus your attention on what you can give to your partner.
4. We’ll treat each other as kindly as we treat our friends
Couples often treat their friends ― or even much more peripheral people in their lives ― with more kindness than they do their partners. You may give your friend the benefit of the doubt without hesitation. Do you extend that to your partner?
5. We’ll continue to share stories from our past
“Make a point to swap stories about your past: When you first dated, you were excited to share and hear stories about each other because it feels good to be known and to really understand one another. But then the focus likely turned to the day-to-day stressors and you stopped sharing stories
6. When we disagree, we’ll take turns talking and actually listen
Listening doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing. The active listening technique is so worthwhile because it fosters emotional intimacy. When most spouses really want is not to win an argument, but to feel understood.
7. We’ll upgrade date night
Commit to trying new things (new restaurants, new weekend activities, new vacation destinations, etc.), and doing so often.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
scumbags
There are some really awful people around at the moment. This is what happened on Sunday.
We live in Hinemoa Street opposite the Waiwhetu Stream. At around 3.40 in the afternoon I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up and start to feed the geese and ducks out the window. Then The passenger an asian man jumped out and threw himself onto a goose. he picked it up and put it the boot of the car.
I immediately ran over and stood in front of his car to stop him moving I also called my husband to help. A lovely man was riding his bike and saw it and stopped to help me. The driver tried to drive into me but I didnt move. He tried telling us it was his pet. These are wild geese.
They had a cage in the boot and some wire all ready to catch the poor bird like they have done it before. My husband took the bird from the car and released it. I then moved out of the way and after lots of abuse from the driver they drove off threatening to come back and get more.
No one should be allowed to take these beautiful birds and certainly not like this. they are all starting to have wee babies at the moment the whole thing was so upsetting to me. Another neighbour further down the road also saw it all happen.
Please keep a look out for this car and if you see them by the stream go over and watch them lets all stop this happening.
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