The start of the New Year is a time for new beginnings, fresh hopes, and resolutions. Some of us want dating advice to carry us through the next year while others just want to ring it in with friends and family. Did you know that 2015 is the year of Relationships?
Instead of making a bunch of resolutions you probably won’t keep, why not make a few traditional New Year’s dishes that have been said to bring good luck and prosperity?
- Ham and black-eyed peas. Pigs have been a symbol of prosperity and gluttony throughout history. Black-eyed peas were a food that sustained Southern families during the Civil War because soldiers often wouldn’t burn the fields on which they were grown. If you are vegan or vegetarian you can always substitute ham with one of your favorite meat free options.
- Cabbage and corn bread. Cabbage is associated with money due to its flat, green color, while cornbread is the color of gold. Need we say more?
- Fatback. It’s a cheaper cut of meat and extremely salty, but it sustained many families during the Depression, particularly in the South. This food is said to ensure good health in the New Year. Again if you are vegetarian or vegan you can always substitute the meat with one of your favorite meat free options, vegan buljol is one of my favorites.
- Pomegranate and grapes. Pomegranates denote life and fertility and have medicinal properties. Twelve grapes are typically eaten at midnight in Spain to ensure prosperity and surplus in the coming year.
Now that you know what to serve up on New Year’s Eve, you might still be thinking about the resolutions you want to make: lose weight, save money, quit smoking, or be more romantic. Here’s a little dating advice to help you have a stronger, more romantic relationship in the coming year.
- Understand that everyone has faults. Your partner isn’t perfect, and neither are you. Let the little things slide; after all, are the socks on the floor really going to ruin your life? Stop nagging. Think before you speak and ask yourself if the matter at hand is really worth the argument.
- Get happy outside of the relationship. If you’re too needy, things can fall apart quickly. You really have to find a way to be happy outside of the relationship in order for the relationship to work. Find a hobby, spend time with friends, or even reconsider your career.
- Be thankful. If you aren’t thankful for your partner, what are you doing in the relationship? Keep a gratitude journal for your relationship to remind yourself of all the good things. You might both want to do this and then share the entries from time to time.
- Listen more. No one wants to be in a relationship where they are not heard. If you’re the guy, work on your “selective hearing” issues. If you’re the girl, listen to him vent about his buddies or boss. It goes both ways.
What are your New Year’s plans? Are you going out with your honey or hosting a party? Will your resolutions be focused on your relationship?
