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As we all know, the beginning of the year is the most popular time for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities to start new exercise and diet regimens. After all, there’s no time like the present to get fit and healthy. What should you do (and not do), though, when supporting your significant other’s (SO) new fitness goals?

To maintain a healthy relationship during this time of change, it’s important that you avoid unneeded criticism and hurt feelings (if at all possible) and instead, foster a home environment that’s chock full of love and encouragement. By following these simple suggestions, you can be on your way to encouraging your loved one’s fitness goals better than anyone in his or her life, including Richard Simmons.

• Above all, remember to be patient. Understand that your SO’s well-being, in the end, is your well-being too.
• Remind yourself that the healthier he/she gets, the longer they’ll be around and, therefore, the longer they’ll be in your life.
• Don’t take it personally if he/she ends up spending less time with you and more time at the gym (or working out somewhere). As long as they still make time for you at the end of the day, be happy that they're successfully meeting their goals.
• If your SO’s also modifying their diet, try not to eat everything he/she's trying to avoid, particularly right in front of them. And if you’re the cook of the house, be aware of this new diet regimen and try to cook accordingly. There are plenty of low-calorie and low-fat recipe sites online.
• Be sensitive about making critical remarks regarding weight-loss or if he/she has stopped following established goals markers. We all know that making negative remarks is sometimes unavoidable, but saying it as gently as possible will get your point across a lot more effectively.
• Try some of your SO’s own fitness goals on for size. They say that “the couple that exercises together stays together.” That may not be a scientific fact, but I’m sure it can’t hurt. If at all possible, try to work out together as a couple. It’s always more enjoyable when done with someone you love: your best friend.
• Remember that meeting exercise goals can be a bumpy road with a lot of setbacks; whatever you do, steer clear of nit-picking your loved one. It’s okay to indulge one night out of the week and eat a small hot fudge sundae, but if it becomes a daily habit, it may be time for concern and eventually to say something.
• Create a special “Reward Night” for your SO when they meet their fitness goals for the month. Bake a low-calorie batch of brownies and take them out to a movie you know he/she wants to see (nix the buttered popcorn of course). This will show your SO how important meeting their fitness goals really is to you too.

Remember, if you can positively support your SO’s fitness goals long-term, not only will he or she be more successful in achieving those goals (and healthier to boot), but your SO will also feel more loved because of the concern you show for his well-being. And that—in addition to a fit, healthy body—is the best thing that can happen.