Learning Intimacy: How to Grow Closer to Your Partner
Relationships can be challenging. The movies and tv shows make it seem as if it is a blissful connection. When there are issues, it is almost immediately resolved without much context on how. The truth of the matter is it isn’t as simple as that. You may be in a new relationship, and while the chemistry is there, it’s still hard to connect with your partner on more intimate levels. Alternatively, you may be in a relationship or marriage where you’ve been together for years, but the spark just isn’t there anymore.
When we refer to intimacy, we don’t just mean the chemistry you have in the bedroom. In fact, intimacy refers to the emotional connection you have with a partner, as well. But learning how to grow closer to your partner isn’t exactly the most intuitive process. If you are struggling to learn how to be more intimate with your partner, here are some tips to help with that.
How To Foster A Stronger Intimacy Connection
Let’s break this up into different sections. First, we will talk about growing your physical connection with your partner. And then, we’ll dive into the emotional side of things.
Physical Intimacy
Over time, it’s common for many couples to lose touch with one another literally. This can happen for different reasons and will vary from couple to couple. Remember, physical intimacy doesn’t always have to lead to sex. Of course, sexual intimacy is a huge part of a relationship. However, it isn’t the only way to be physically intimate with your partner.
There are many ways you can improve your physical intimacy, which can then, in turn, improve things in the bedroom. A few great tips for this are:
When you are watching tv, don’t be afraid just to hold hands or cuddle on the couch.
Give each other shoulder and back massages after work.
Try to still give hugs to one another before you leave the house and when you get home.
While some of these tips may seem elementary, they can help you feel closer to your partner. And these tips will significantly help you start to reignite the spark in the bedroom if that’s been lost.
Emotional Intimacy
Physical intimacy isn’t the only important component of a healthy relationship. Emotional intimacy is equally crucial to ensure that both partners are happy. When physical intimacy decreases, it often means that the emotional connection is broken somehow. Being present and showing up for your partner’s emotional wants and needs is something a lot of people struggle with. It isn’t rocket science—but, at the same time, it can feel really complicated!
To help grow your emotional connection to each other, you can try any of the following:
Try to go on date nights. Even if it’s just in your own house, make time when the focus can solely be on the two of you.
Don’t just ask each other, “How was your day?” Chances are, you’ll get, “It was fine; how was yours?” Instead, ask more detailed questions such as, “Did you have any exciting projects to work on today? What was the most challenging part of your day?” It encourages the conversation to continue.
If you notice your partner has been off lately, speak up about it. Gently ask them, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed kind of distracted lately. Is everything okay?”
Checking in on each other by asking more detailed questions can get longer responses. Doing these things ensures that both partners will feel looked after by one another.
If you want to learn more about increasing intimacy in your relationship, don’t hesitate to contact me for couples counseling
