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10 questions to ask each other as you prepare to step into a new year

By Couple Support Team

Reviewed by Couple Support Team

3 min read • Published 1 Dec, 2023 • Last reviewed 8 Jul, 2026

couple celebrating

The start of a new year can be a valuable opportunity for couples to pause, reflect and look ahead together. Whether the past year has brought joy, challenges or a mixture of both, taking time to talk about your hopes, priorities and plans can strengthen your relationship. This article shares ten thoughtful questions designed to help couples celebrate what has been, build shared vision for the future and approach the year ahead with greater intention and hope.

As the season of advent gives way to a new year, we’re presented with 365 brand new days to fill.

This time of year can naturally lead us to reflect on the past 12 months.

There will be achievements and milestones to celebrate, memories – good and bad – and maybe some regrets too.

But a new year gives us an annual opportunity to look towards the future too. To dare to dream and to hope once more. If the past year has been a difficult one, it takes courage to look for hope as we open the door to the next. But having vision for this next season doesn’t necessarily mean writing a ten-year plan to become debt free or setting a deadline to start a new career. It’s about the small but mighty things too. Having vision for the year ahead gives us focus, generates hope and helps us to see beyond the here and now.

Here are ten questions to ask each other as you prepare to step into a new year:

  1. What is one thing we need to start doing in this next year?
  2. What is one thing we need to stop doing in this next year?
  3. What do we want to give our time and attention to in this next year?
  4. How can we show kindness and generosity to each other and to those around us in this next year?
  5. What small things can we do to make this next year special?
  6. How will we invest in our relationship during this next year?
  7. Are there any traditions we could start in this next year?
  8. Do we have any big goals we’d like to achieve by this time next year?
  9. What’s the biggest dream we have for next year?
  10. How can we be intentional about making memories in this next year?

What you’re facing at the moment might feel overwhelming – know that we all feel that way at times and that it won’t last forever. As time passes, so do the seasons of life. Having vision for the year ahead can help us find purpose in each day, to appreciate the good and to get through the tough.

So, in this time of anticipation and expectation, what will you look forward to?

Key takeaways

  • A new year offers a natural opportunity to reflect on the past and consider what matters most moving forward.
  • Having a shared vision for the future can bring focus, purpose and hope to everyday life.
  • You don’t need dramatic life changes to make a meaningful difference; small intentional actions matter too.
  • Talking openly about priorities, goals and dreams can strengthen your connection as a couple.
  • If life feels overwhelming right now, remember that difficult seasons do not last forever and hope can still be found in looking ahead.
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Next steps

Why not set aside half an hour with your partner to work through the questions in this article together? You could chat over a coffee, during a walk or at a time when you’re unlikely to be interrupted. Focus on listening to one another and identifying one or two practical ways you’d like to invest in your relationship during the coming year.

Remember, meaningful change often begins with small, intentional steps rather than ambitious resolutions. Taking time to dream, plan and reflect together can help you face the future as a team.

For more encouragement and relationship resources, explore Care for the Family’s support for couples.

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About the author

Drawing on Care for the Family’s long-standing commitment to supporting couples, the Couples Support team develops practical resources and articles designed to strengthen communication, encourage healthy relationship habits and offer hope during challenging seasons. With decades of experience and research-based principles, the team aims to provide encouragement that is compassionate, realistic and accessible. Whether exploring everyday relationship skills, navigating differences, or helping couples reconnect, their focus is on offering trusted guidance that supports stronger, healthier relationships.

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