Reflecting on the Year as a Couple: Guided Prompts for Meaningful Conversations

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time for couples to pause and reflect on their journey together. This reflection can deepen your connection, highlight growth, and strengthen your bond in the coming year. We can see it in how the chief executive reports on a business's current condition and provides successes for the year, growth, and what they would like to implement for the upcoming year.

First, I want you to set a time and date to have an uninterrupted conversation. Be creative. Instead of watching TV or looking at your phones once the kids go to bed, grab your favorite cozy winter drink and be intentional with the time you have to reflect, not blame or complain.

Here are some guided prompts to help you and your partner navigate meaningful conversations about the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Start with Gratitude

·       What is one thing you’re most grateful for in our relationship this year?

·       Was there a moment this year when you felt particularly loved or supported by me?

Celebrate the Wins

·       What are some of our best memories together from this year?

·       How did we grow as a couple this year?

·       What’s one challenge we tackled as a team, and how did we overcome it?

Acknowledge the Challenges

·       What were some tough moments or areas where we struggled this year?

·       How do you feel we handled conflict or stress as a couple?

·       Is there something I could have done differently to support you better?

Explore Personal Growth

·       How do you feel you’ve grown individually this year, and how has that impacted our relationship?

·       What’s one thing you learned about yourself or me this year?

Dream Together

·       What’s one thing you’d like us to do more of next year?

·       Are there any dreams, goals, or plans we’d like to prioritize in the coming year?

·       If you could envision one major milestone for us in the next year, what would it be?

Express Love and Appreciation

·       What’s one thing I did this year that made you feel loved?

·       What are three things you love most about our relationship right now?

End with Hope

·       What are you most excited about for us in the new year?

·       What’s one way we can intentionally strengthen our relationship in the coming year?

Remember These Tips for the Conversation

·       Set aside a quiet, cozy time where you can talk without distractions—perhaps over a cup of tea or by the fire.

·       Keep the conversation lighthearted and encouraging. Avoid turning challenges into arguments.

·       If emotions run high, pause and revisit the topic later with empathy.

Reflecting on the year together can be an enriching experience. It fosters understanding, appreciation, and a sense of shared purpose as you move forward into the next chapter of your journey together. If you find this helpful please share with your Couple Friends so they can benefit from enriching reflections to strengthen their marriage. Let us know what questions you would add.

Erica Realpe, MA, LMFT

Helping individuals, couples, and families heal and create better relationships. Erica is available in Midland Park and telehealth. Sessions are available in English and Spanish.