When forced to spend more time with each other, some of the ‘little things’ which have been eating away at the relationship over the past weeks, months or years appear to suddenly become more intense and destructive.

Sometimes such issues are magnified by increased alcohol consumption, or financial stresses which become more apparent in the lead-up to the holidays contributing to increased tension between partners.

Whatever the reasons for the extra strain, there are ways to deal with them and to bring couples closer together.

Some proven relationship improvement strategies include;

Spending quality time together, just the two of you. This might be a date night, or simply setting aside other time when both of you are with each other, without the distractions of other family, work, emails, social media, phone calls and so on.

Talking AND listening. Simply listening deeply to each other, and deliberately putting the effort into hearing what your partner is saying can make the world of difference. This is a skill which needs to be practised – so start today.

Being more rewarding and appreciative. Satisfying and healthy relationships, often feature rewarding and positive ‘moments’ which are shared by both partners. Such moments counterbalance those times which can be more negative and damaging. Taking steps to making your relationship more positive might include actively ‘rewarding’ your partner for the good things they do. On the other side of that same coin, punishing your partner can be more damaging than you know, so try and avoid it.

If you can both find ways to learn to love and be grateful for each other again, and actively work at those ‘little things’ together, the new year can be the start a whole new ‘both of you’.