Set Better Relationship Intentions | 2026 New Year

By:Becky Cross

Here we are again, staring down the fresh stretch of a brand-new year. The world shouts, “change everything!” and suddenly we’re scribbling out resolutions like we’re auditioning for a new version of ourselves. Lose weight. Cut this out. Don’t do that. It’s all about rules and fixing what’s “wrong.” But what if, this time, you decided not to treat your relationships like a project to be managed? What if you shifted from hard-and-fast resolutions to softer, more loving relationship intentions? Instead of hunting for “better” in yourself or others, you can let love and realness steer you into the new year.

Relationship Intentions: Better Than Resolutions

Here’s the deal with resolutions: They’re intense. All or nothing. If you mess up, the shame train pulls into the station. “I won’t argue with my partner this new year!” Sounds noble but—honestly—who’s pulling that off for all of January, let alone twelve months?

Intentions are a different animal—more like a compass than a checklist. They set a direction. For example: “I want to show up with curiosity when I disagree with my partner.” That’s not about being perfect, that’s about being real and returning to kindness when you drift. Setting relationship intentions gives you breathing room and lets you focus on the core vibe you want, not the individual slip-ups along the way.

Romantic Relationships: Growing Deeper, Not Just Nicer

Let’s be honest, love takes guts. Your relationship isn’t just some museum piece—it’s a growing, wild thing. This new year, what if you chose quality over scorekeeping and connection over correction?

  • Practice presence. In a world stacked with pings and endless scrolling, just being fully present with your partner is rare—and golden. Maybe it’s a phone-free dinner or just a little eye contact when you pass in the hall. Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just real.
  • Assume the best. Everyone slips, including the person you adore. If you decide to treat their quirks and flubs with benefit of the doubt, things feel lighter. Instead of jumping into blame, give them space to be human. Trust tends to grow in a place where folks feel safe to get things wrong.
  • Celebrate the small stuff. Epic gestures are cool, but day-to-day love is built from tiny, unglamorous moments—coffee handed over on a busy morning, a random “thinking of you” text, that hug when you’re dragging. Noticing these things, and saying something about them, goes a long way.

Friendships: Feeding Your Chosen Family

If there’s one area that gets the leftovers, it’s often friendship. We let texts go unanswered and plans fall to the background. But a few, new relationship intentions can keep those bonds strong and warm.

  • Reach out first. Don’t wait for someone else to start. Drop in with a simple “Hey, you’ve been on my mind,” or send that meme you know will crack them up. Even five seconds can spark connection.
  • Be the real you. You don’t have to have it all together with your friends. In fact, being honest about the rough days is what deepens trust. Letting your guard down gives others permission to do the same and builds friendship that’s real, not just polite.
  • Cheer them on. Make a point to celebrate the good stuff in your friends’ lives—even the little wins. A quick “Wow, I’m proud of you” might be the highlight of their week.

Coworker Relationships: Making the Workday Kinder

We spend a huge chunk of our lives at work. Setting intentions with coworkers isn’t about being best friends, but it’s about making those hours more human.

  • Lead with kindness. Let’s be real, work can get icy fast. So be the person who smiles, who asks how someone’s doing, who says thanks and means it. A little warmth can defrost even the chilliest Mondays.
  • Communicate clearly (and respectfully). Plenty of workplace headaches come down to misunderstood emails or forgotten details. Decide to listen fully and speak plainly. It helps to check that your words land with respect, especially when stress is high.
  • Be helpful where you can. This isn’t about overextending yourself. It’s about spotting small chances to help—a quick answer, sharing a resource, offering a second set of eyes. That kind of support makes work life feel less like survival and more like community.

Here’s To Your Very Intentional Year

“Meditation For Morning Energy” Courtesy of Jo Rose via YouTube

Before you get all tangled up in grand resolutions, take a breath. Let go of the idea that you—or anyone in your circle—needs fixing. Set some heartfelt, human relationship intentions instead. Choose the energy you want to bring, let yourself be seen, and show up with as much kindness as you can muster. This new year isn’t asking for perfection from you—just presence, honesty, and an open heart. Here’s to a year of softer edges, stronger bonds, and way more love where it matters most.

Becky writes from the red dirt crossroads of folk tradition and modern life. She’s a beekeeper, an archivist of handed-down remedies, and a self-proclaimed floral archeologist. Her work brings a grounded voice to lifestyles topics, wanderlust to travel, and celebrations with soul. She honors seasonal rhythms, old ways, and the everyday rituals that keep us rooted.