This post is all about couples goals.
When my husband and I first started dating, I dreamed about taking a romantic gondola ride through Venice with him #relationshipgoals.
Lucky us- we accomplished that goal on our honeymoon and it was every bit as wonderful as we hoped it would be.
Every couple should set goals together.
It lays the groundwork for a strong, healthy, lasting relationship.
If you’re not sure what kind of goals to aim for, keep reading. I’ve got 32 creative goal ideas for couples to share.
But first, let’s talk about what sets relationship goals apart from other goals in life.
What Are “Couples” Goals?
A goal is something you focus on and work towards achieving. The best goals are those that are well-defined, measurable, and deadline or time-driven.
Couples goals are simply predefined goals that a couple sets together, usually with a set timeline for achieving it.
They are things that couple want to achieve together as they build their relationship.
In my opinion, goals can help keep your relationship on track while also defining each person’s expectations within the relationship.
Such aspirations can be anything from how often you keep in contact via phone or text to special activities you want.
Some goals are even focused on the relationship itself like whether or not marriage is the ultimate goal.
The dreams and aspirations you have for your relationship can be as unique as you are. The important thing is the growth you’ll experience.
When couples achieve goals together, they build the foundation for a meaningful relationship.
If you need a little inspiration to get started, here are 32 relationship goal examples for every type of couple!
Enjoy 🙂
Goal #1: Create a Dating Bucket List
Besides being a lot of fun, bucket lists (or even vision boards) give you a clear vision of things you’d like to do or experience together as a couple.
A candlelit dinner at a popular 5-star restaurant, a sunset cruise, a couple’s massage, or a quiet and romantic picnic in the park are all wonderful additions to your list.
However, make sure your relationship bucket list is designed with both you and your partner in mind. It’s okay to do things you might not normally consider, but be respectful if one of you feels strongly about not doing something.
Goal #2: Establish Personal Boundaries
Everyone’s comfort level is different. Some people have no problem with public displays of affection, while others feel uncomfortable hugging or kissing in public.
Maybe you’re not much of a morning person and like to keep conversation to a minimum until you’ve had your coffee.
It’s important to identify your personal boundaries and communicate those boundaries with your partner.
Goal #3: Plan for Your Future
Planning for your future as a couple (and setting appropriate goals) is largely dependent on where you are in your relationship.
For instance, a simple goal that shows you intend to be together at least somewhat long-term could including anything from where you’ll spend Christmas to booking a cruise for next summer.
On the other hand, your goals could be much bigger, such as planning to purchase a house or open a business together.
Goal #4: Go White Water Rafting (Or Something Else Adventurous)
White water rafting is an exciting and exhilarating experience, even if you’ve done it before. Best of all, it can be customized to your level of experience from beginner to expert.
Just be sure to book a rafting adventure that’s appropriate for both of your skill levels.
It doesn’t have to be rafting. It can be bungee jumping or sky diving.
The idea is to do something together that the two of you will remember fondly, long after the adventure is over. It’s these shared experiences and memories that help you grow as a couple!
Goal #5: Commit to Praying for Your Partner Daily
Praying for your boyfriend/girlfriend is an important part of showing your commitment and desire for their well-being.
It also helps foster emotional intimacy.
Couples who pray together (or for each other) tend to focus more on their partner than themselves, which helps establish trust as well as grace when mistakes are made.
We all make mistakes, but prayer can help us stay strong against temptation and protect against lashing out in anger.
Goal #6: Discuss the Possibility of Marriage
In the beginning of a relationship, you’re probably not thinking about marriage.
As time goes on, however, it’s important to discuss whether marriage is a possibility, even if that possibility is far, far in the future.
This can be a touchy subject, so adding it to your list of goals ensures that it gets addressed at some point. If one of you sees marriage in the future, it’s important for both of you to be on the same page.
Goal #7: Help Each Other Achieve a Significant Personal Goal
It’s not just about mutual goals! We all have personal goals of some sort, and what better way to grow as a couple than to help each other achieve them?
So whether it’s losing weight or running a marathon, support your partner’s endeavors and help them achieve their dreams.
It’s always easier to achieve our goals when we have someone pushing us forward. Be that person for your special someone!
Goal #8: Respect Each Other’s Love Language
If you want a “dream relationship,” you need to understand your partner’s love language. But don’t stop there. Learn and understand your sweetheart’s “language” then put it into practice!
Be careful not to confuse yours with theirs.
For instance, if your love language is physical touch, you might tend to hug, cuddle, and kiss more often.
If your partner’s love language is words of affirmation, they might feel like something is missing because “touch” isn’t as satisfying as those affirming words.
Make it a goal to discuss and identify your girlfriend/boyfriend’s primary love language.
Goal #9: Take a Couples Ride on a Hot Air Balloon
This is one of those romantic couple goals that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll share magnificent views as well as quality alone time together (well, almost, there is the pilot!).
The peaceful glide of the balloon is a great way to relax and just be in the moment with one another.
Most people will never experience what it’s like to fly through the sky outside of an airplane, so what an amazing goal to set and experience together!
Goal #10: Meet the Family
There comes a time in most relationships when you should address the appropriateness of meeting each other’s family.
It’s a good idea to talk this through and add it to your goals list.
Timing is important, but waiting too long might signal you’re not as serious about the relationship as your partner. Decide together how and when to take this step.
Goal #11: Talk Every Day
As you get to know one another, communication is extremely important. It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day activities, but aim to talk to each other every day.
Discuss how your day is going, upcoming plans, or simply let them know that they are on your mind.
Daily communication keeps relationships moving in the right direction, so it’s a great goal to strive for.
Goal #12: Try Something New Together Every Month
A fun goal could include a list of new-to-you activities you’d like to experience as a couple.
Together, write down a list of things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time to.
Then simply set a goal of trying something new from that list once a month.
Goal #13: Commit to Be One Another’s Best Friend
Many people find themselves in a blossoming relationship, but they don’t actually consider their partner to be their best friend.
Sure, you probably have long-time friends who are your besties, but as your relationship grows, your significant other should become your best friend, too.
Goal #14: Write Each Other Love Letters
There’s something very special about a love letter. Even if you tell your sweetheart you love them every day, holding that piece of paper with written words speaks volumes.
If your relationships turns into marriage someday, those love letters turn into precious keepsakes you can look back on for years to come.
Goal #15: Learn Something New About Each Other
Isn’t that what relationships are all about? Learning each other through-and-through and navigating each others strengths and weaknesses to better one another?
Setting this type of goal just makes sure you’re intentional about it.
Even people in a long-term relationship will have things their partner doesn’t know about them. It could be something that happened in their childhood or perhaps a hidden fear of theirs.
Maybe one of your date night goals could be setting up a weekly or monthly “learn something new about me” night. Choose a few of these questions to ask your partner, and enjoy where the conversation leads.
Not only will it be fun, it will naturally build intimacy and a better understanding of each other.
Goal #16: Do Couples Workouts Weekly
Sharing healthy habits, such as working out together, can be an excellent way to create a healthier lifestyle as well as a stronger relationship.
Shared fitness activities, ranging from jogs in the park to reps at the gym, can be the basis for a lasting relationship.
Take care of yourself and support your partner in doing the same!
Goal #17: Cook for Each Other on a Regular Basis
It’s fun, romantic, and builds your cooking repertoire all at the same time.
You can recreate a favorite meal you’ve had in a restaurant, sample new cuisines and cooking techniques, or browse through a cookbook for some inspiration.
That said, even a simple meal can be a fun way to pamper each other from time to time.
Goal #18: Learn a New Skill Together
There are so many useful skills you can learn as a team! Brainstorm some things you’ve always wanted to learn and compare lists with your partner.
You could set a goal to learn a new skill together every 3 to 6 months or so.
Need some ideas? Consider taking a class in artisanal bread baking or maybe sign up for some self-defense classes.
In doing so, you’ll build your own set of skills that will last a lifetime (whether the relationship does or not).
Goal #19: Pay Off Debt Together
Money can be a sensitive topic in many relationships, but paying off debt can be hugely beneficial, and it’s easier to do when you have someone keeping you accountable.
You can encourage each other to meet this important life goal by finding activities that allow you to save money like stay-at-home date nights.
Goal #20: Be Each Other’s Accountability Partner in Whatever Area You Both Need
When you agree to be each other’s accountability partner, you build trust and deepen your connection.
When you are goal-setting for the year (or however often you do it), make a list of areas in which you could use some help to stay on track.
Maybe that’s your diet, breaking a bad habit, waking up earlier in the morning, or anything in between.
Whatever it is, make it a goal to help each other stay on track with all their other goals.
Goal #21: Visit All 50 States Together
A fun item to add to your list could be setting a goal of visiting all 50 states.
Sharing the remarkable sites, food, and fun that each state has to offer will be something you’ll be able to laugh about and cherish forever.
Goal #22: Make Time for Fun Activities That Are Unique to the Two of You
Do you like to eat breakfast cereal while watching a good movie on a Friday night?
Whatever it is that you like to do together as a couple, be intentional about doing it on a regular basis.
Fit fun-time together into your schedule. Go bowling, play minigolf, or stroll through a museum.
The idea is to create activities that become a platform for fun in your relationship instead of them being an after-thought or only “if you have time.”
Goal #23: Commit to Open and Honest Communication
A good relationship relies on both parties being open and honest.
Make it a goal to keep the channels of communication open at all times. Doing so can help prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Goal #24: If It’s a Long-Term Relationship, Celebrate Your Anniversary in a BIG Way
If the two of you have been together for a while, make your anniversary something special. It might even be something the two of you sit down and plan out together.
But surprises are always fun, too!
The goal is to set this day apart from all the rest in whatever way best suits your relationship.
Goal #25: Hang Out with Each Other’s Best Friends
Your partner might be your best friend, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have other friends. Take time to hang out with their friends and get to know them.
After all, if your partner chose them as friends, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy their company as well.
Aim to spend time and get to know the people that are important to your significant other.
Goal #26: Give Back to Others by Volunteering
Volunteering in your community or with an organization that you support can be an excellent way to grow on a deeper level.
Sign up to serve food to the homeless, help build a home with Habitat for Humanity, or volunteer at one of your favorite charities.
Goal #27: Read Success Books Together
Staying motivated can be a challenge sometimes. Everyone runs into obstacles that can derail the best of plans.
Reading motivating books together can help keep you both on track with whatever you’re trying to achieve.
These types of books are excellent at providing the motivation and positive thinking necessary to better handle whatever comes your way.
Goal #28: Be Each Other’s Biggest Fan & Cheerleader
Whatever your path is in life, it’s always nice to have someone in your corner. Whether you’ve just received a promotion or you’re studying for a big exam, having a boyfriend or girlfriend that cheers you on can keep you enthusiastic about your goals.
Just like being best friends is important to your relationship, being your partner’s biggest fan is also key to maintaining a happy relationship.
Goal #29: Perform Small Acts of Kindness Together
Small acts of kindness can mean a great deal to others, but it also blesses you as well.
Pay for someone’s breakfast, help a neighbor with yardwork, or buy some cookies you don’t really need from the kid at your door.
Being kind is contagious, and it’s just good to incorporate this “agape” type of love into your relationship in addition to the lovey dovey kind.
Goal #30: Plan Little Surprises for Each Other Routinely
Who doesn’t like a little surprise from time to time? This is a fun thing to add to your list of goals, and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort.
Little surprises like a ticket to an upcoming sporting event, or even your partner’s favorite candy bar, let them know that you’re mindful of what they like.
Goal #31: Play Games Together & Keep Your Inner Kid Alive
Implementing “game night” is a great goal for every couple to have. Playing games may seem childish at first, but it allows the two of you to spend time laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
Play a round of Frisbee golf, or grab a board game and enjoy a quiet evening at home. It doesn’t matter what kind of game you play, just have fun and focus on enjoying your time together.
Goal #32: Teach Each Other Something You Know But They Don’t
Brainstorm some things you know how to do but your partner doesn’t. Then plan a time to share what you know.
This goes along with learning a new skill together, but this time, one of you is the teacher!
Maybe your boyfriend is a great tennis player. Let him teach you how to play. Perhaps your girlfriend is an exceptional gardener, let her teach you how to have a green thumb.
It’s fun to learn new things, and you’ll build a greater sense of intimacy in your relationship by learning from each other.
That about wraps up my goal ideas for couples! Before signing off, I want to address a question I hear a lot.
When Should a Couple Start Setting Goals Together?
Setting goals as a couple can begin as soon as you’ve moved beyond the second or third date.
In the beginning, you might set simple goals that establish how your relationship will move forward.
However, the longer you date and the closer you inch towards a long-term relationship, you should start setting bigger and more long-term goals.
If your relationship grows into engagement, revisit and update your list of goals accordingly. Do the same for your marriage goals!
I hope this list of couples goals helps you realize there really is no right or wrong “goal” to aim for in your relationship. It’s whatever works best for the two of you. Just sit down with your girlfriend/boyfriend or fiancé, schedule a goal setting session, and have fun!
