Op-Comic: Here’s to New Year’s resolutions that are made to be broken

four hands clinking champagne flutes

(Kristen Radtke / For The Times)

By Kristen Radtke

Jan. 1, 2023 3:15 AM PT

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I've never followed through on a single new year's resolution

well over half of americans make resolutions but only about 4% of people are still keeping with them

the practice of resolutions has roots all the way back to ancient rome when romans made promises to Janus, god of beginnings

I don't know how romans felt when they let their resolutions lapse, today it's often a point of shame

who cares if you don't make it through those workout videos come march? so what if your plan was too ambitious?

the pleasure of a resolution is the sense that we're participating in something communal, trying to make ourselves better.

resolutions help soften the blow of all the things we failed to accomplish last year and give us hope for who we may become

this year I'm resolving to cook healthy meals three times a week. will I still be soaking legumes in april?

I probably won't make it past February, and I'm totally fine with that.

Kristen Radtke is the author of two books, including “Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness.” She is the associate creative director at The Verge. @kristenradtke

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