In our modern world, we tend to fill our calendars and stay so busy that we have little time for anything else.
These greater demands often mean less time interacting with our significant others. Yet, intimacy is essential in any relationship because it’s what bonds two people together.
Intimacy includes both physical and emotional elements. Without them, a relationship is difficult to maintain. Is it time to prioritize your relationship and work on intimacy?
Keep reading to learn six ways of improving intimacy in your relationship!
1. Be Affectionate
Affection is vital in a relationship because it lets your partner know you care about them. Couples tend to feel closer and more connected when they are physically affectionate. This can lead to a stronger emotional bond and a better overall relationship.
Affection includes things like:
- Kissing
- Cuddling
- Saying, “I love you.”
- Kind gestures
- Surprises (card, gift, favorite food, phone call, a favor)
- Touching often (hold hands while walking and give hugs, hello and goodbye)
These small gestures can mean a lot and help keep the spark alive in your relationship.
Humans need touch. Giving and receiving affection to the one you love releases oxytocin, a “feel good” neurotransmitter that reduces stress hormones.
For example, one study found that women cuddled by their husbands were less likely to feel stressed afterward.
If you’re not currently very affectionate with your partner, try adding some small touches into your everyday interactions. It may take some time for both of you to get used to it, but it could really help strengthen your relationship in the long run.
2. Communicate Effectively
Another huge way of improving intimacy in a relationship is through effective and open communication, both in and out of the bedroom. Talk to your partner about what you need and want, including sharing your thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Here are our top nine communication guidelines to follow:
- Remain aware of your body language. Ensure you send the right signals with your posture, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid using words your loved one could misinterpret or that might lead to confusion.
- Listen attentively when the other person is speaking. Don’t interrupt them; ensure you understand what they’re saying before responding.
- Avoid using offensive language or talking about sensitive subjects in a way that could be hurtful or insulting.
- Be patient and understanding when the other person makes a mistake or doesn’t understand what you are saying.
- Respect the other person’s feelings and actions.
- Avoid angry communication because you might say something you’ll regret.
- Put down the phone and focus on your partner. Looking at your phone is disrespectful and sends the message that your partner isn’t a priority.
- Communicating with your loved one should feel safe for both of you.
When you follow these guidelines, you can make a lasting difference in your relationship.
3. Connect Emotionally
Emotional connection is the origin of all relationships. It’s the foundation for everything else. Here are a few things you can do to strengthen your emotional connection with your partner.
Emotionally Present
When you focus on being present for your partner, you’re paying attention to their emotions and feelings instead of your own. This allows your partner to feel appreciated and connected.
Vulnerability
Try being vulnerable with one another. The ability to be vulnerable with someone is a sign of trust.
It means that you believe that person will not take advantage of your openness and will help you through whatever challenging moment you are experiencing.
This type of vulnerability can be scary, but it can also be incredibly healing. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we say that we trust the other person implicitly and believe they have our best interests at heart.
Make Eye Contact
People typically think about conversation, touch, and body language when they talk about connecting with others. However, another significant way to connect is through eye contact.
Eye contact can be a powerful way to communicate emotion and intimacy. In a relationship, eye contact conveys love, desire, and connection. It also shows appreciation, understanding, and support.
The opposite is also true; avoiding your loved one’s call for connection leaves them feeling distant and rejected.
4. Be Reliable
In any relationship, trust is key. You need to be able to rely on each other to be there, both emotionally and physically.
One part of being reliable is keeping your word. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Even if it means it’s inconvenient for you.
5. Practice Serving
Selfish and self-centered people don’t do well in relationships because they are only concerned with themselves. They often disregard the other person’s feelings and needs, leading to conflict.
Additionally, these people often have difficulty compromising, which is essential in any relationship. Ultimately, selfish and self-centered individuals tend to be unhappy in relationships because they cannot give or receive love fully.
Relationships aren’t all about self-love but loving another. Put your partner and their needs above your own, serve them with a good attitude, and watch what happens!
6. Have Fun Together
Spend time doing something you both enjoy. Too often, spouses get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life and don’t take the time to do things together. This leads to an emotional separation between the two people.
Couples need to find time to spend together doing things they both like. Spend time together without distractions. Turn off your phones and TVs and focus on each other.
This can help keep the relationship strong and prevent problems from arising. Become best friends if you’re not already.
Now it’s Your Turn!
Intimacy is essential when it comes to having a successful and lasting relationship. Intimacy can mean different things to different couples, but for the most part, it’s about feeling close and connected to your partner.
For most couples, these six behaviors are at the top of the list:
- Affection
- Communication
- Connection
- Reliability
- A Serving Heart
- Having fun
Improving intimacy in your relationship isn’t hard. Don’t give up. Keep trying until you get it right. Your relationship is worth it!
