4 Celebrity-inspired New Year’s resolutions

Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

KK’s marriage was a 72-day love lesson for America, really. Even though we idealize the notion of love at first sight, lasting relationships are usually more complicated than that. When Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian planned to wed after a courtship that spanned less than a year, the writing was practically on the wall during their wedding special. Take, for example, the scene where Kris seemed not to care that the pair would have to dis-invite some wedding guests due to space constraints. The look of incredulity in Kim’s eyes as she stressed about what to do was matched only by Kris’s complete lack of concern. Not exactly a sign of a match made in heaven.

Sure enough, less than three months later, the pair split, leaving the whole event looking like a sham — a tacky, expensive sham, at that.

This year, if you begin a brand new relationship, spend time getting to know your new beau. Take stock of his character and his personality before you decide if he’s a good fit for you. If he doesn’t understand what irks you, or if he doesn’t get along with your family (example: Khloe Kardashian and Kris Humphries), it might be time to rethink whether you want to be with this guy long-term.

Inspiration: Katy Perry and Russell Brand

This is a couple we were really rooting for, but these two spitfires simply couldn’t find enough common ground. Some media reports said that Russell simply couldn’t understand her conservative upbringing (she’s the daughter of a pastor). About a year after they wed, Russell filed for divorce.

Look for signs that a guy doesn’t have respect for your religion, values or spirituality — maybe he makes sarcastic comments about your faith or pressures you to have sex when you want to wait. If you’re already in a long-term relationship, try constructively but firmly telling your guy not to cross the line. One script might be: “I know you don’t share all of my values, but they are important to me, and I’d like you to respect their role in my life.” Whatever you say, surely it will be more helpful than what Katy and Russell were rumored to have said before they parted ways before Christmas 2011: “She was like, ‘F*** you. I’m going to do my own thing,'” said the source. “Russell replied, ‘Fine. F*** you, too.'”

Inspiration: Bill and Giuliana Rancic

Our newest celebrity crush isn’t due to his hot body or high-profile film roles: It’s first-season Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, husband of E! correspondent Giuliana Rancic, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Throughout her treatment and the tough decision she made to get a double mastectomy rather than undergo chemotherapy, Bill was right there with her, even putting her into bed and lifting her out in the morning when she couldn’t get up herself. This year, Bill says that the couple’s New Year’s resolution is “to really live in the present — to enjoy life.”

Life isn’t all wine and roses — even if you work in entertainment television! For the rest of us, when the going gets tough in our partnerships — even if it’s work stress or a close relative passing away — we can remember Bill and Giuliana’s example. Something as simple as saying, “If you’d like to talk about it, I’m here” can mean so much to your man.

Inspiration: Kelly Clarkson

With songs like “I Do Not Hook Up” and her latest album, titled “Stronger,” Clarkson, with her unapologetic stances on politics, relationships and body image, has become a role model for countless young women. “When people talk about my weight, I’m like, ‘You seem to have a problem with it; I don’t,'” she has said. “I love healthy stuff and junk an equal amount. Whatever I’m craving, I go for it. I’m never trying to lose weight — or gain it. I’m just being.”

We all have a voice, and it’s an important one! Whatever your politics, shout them from the rooftops. Whatever your body type is, be proud of it. Wear what you dig. And never, ever compromise your values. Like Kelly says, “Oh, no, I do not hook up, up I go slow. So if you want me, I don’t come cheap.” Good advice.

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