According to Erwin Raphael McManus, “Our souls crave intimacy”. But we cannot describe it in words. We just know that we want to be attached to someone, to feel really close to that special person who also wants to be with us.

Intimacy makes us feel alive, ecstatic, content, and vulnerable. You cannot achieve it overnight. It grows gradually, where you and your partner become closely attached.

What is Intimacy?

When you think about being intimate, your mind may quickly race towards physical closeness or sex. Although it encompasses those things, it is more than being sexually involved with someone. It involves interdependence and mutual understanding.

We are not downplaying the role of being physically intimate. However, emotional intimacy stands as a prerequisite for developing physical closeness. You can visit this website to get tips for building a healthy relationship.

Types of Intimacy

There are different types of intimacy in relationships. They include intellectual or mental togetherness, sexual, and emotional intimacies. For a conjugal or marital relationship to be successful, both partners must develop intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional intimacies.

Emotional Intimacy

This is a precondition for developing those “butterfly-in-my-stomach” physical connections, which are our first thoughts of being attracted to people.

It is an elated state where couples connect emotionally irrespective of worldly complexities. They share their secrets, dreams, aspirations, feelings, and desires. In the process, they become vulnerable to each other.

In order to nurture this bond, you must spend more quality time with your partner or do household chores together.

It instills acceptance, trust, understanding, and a greater feeling of connection. It is pivotal in maintaining a strong relationship because when desires and sexual fondness fade with age, only the emotional aspect will remain and connect the partners at a very deep level.

Physical Intimacy

This is a common and potent way of expressing love to our partners. It isn’t just about making out or having sex, it is beyond that. It is what makes us believe that our partners have a special place in our hearts.

So, your desperation, sense of belonging, dedication, and submission to each other reflects in your physical intimacy.

Besides sexual chemistry, holding hands, a back rub, body massage, a kiss, and cozy hugs are forms of being physically close to someone.

It mitigates differences and overcomes insecurities, and without it, relationships cannot flourish. Keep your relationship flame alive by clicking on https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/g2152/how-to-give-sensual-massage/to learn how to erotically massage your partner.

Intellectual Intimacy

Because both partners are intellectual beings, having minds of their own, they should be able to share their ideas and thoughts freely regardless of the differences in opinions.

When two people connect intellectually, it provides a safe zone for them to express their views without being afraid of the consequences. From child-rearing, family budget, to politics, they can argue freely and still be in love.

This is possible when your partner does not judge you. It makes for effective communication. It also strengthens a love or marriage relationship.

Killers of Intimacy in Relationships

A lot of things can make relationships go south. Some common issues are:

1. Connecting with an Old Flame

This is very common, regardless of the level of self-control you exercise. If you run into your ex, exchange phone numbers, and start communicating with each other, you will start harboring feelings. This will kill the bond you already share with your partner.

2. Harboring Bitterness

When your partner is bitter, they start drifting away from you gradually. Maybe there was a conversation or situation that was not addressed and things kept going that way. So, rather than sort things out, they simply stay away.

3. Lack of Expression

This is mostly the case when it comes to sexual intimacy. Some couples do not express their sexual needs. They would rather wait for their partners to demand sex. This is largely due to cultural beliefs, background, or past events.

4. Selfishness

Selfishness can kill a relationship prematurely. If a partner starts thinking about only themselves, the team spirit dies. As a result, both partners will no longer feel intimate.

5. Lack of Adventures

Every relationship needs something to spice it up from time to time. When there are no surprises or adventures, the affair becomes boring.

Importance of Intimacy in Relationships

The importance of intimacy in relationships is among the top topics in relationship matters. But what do you gain from being intimate with someone? Obviously, you gain a strong bond with that person.

Therefore, if you want to know how to increase intimacy in a relationship, you should be willing to give yourself wholeheartedly to your partner. This will open the window for understanding, love, and respect.

Final Thoughts

Many people long to be intimate with their partners and at different levels. You can connect with someone intellectually but not physically or emotionally. So if you want a successful relationship, the intimacy should be all-encompassing.

Also, avoid doing things that will likely kill the bond you share with your partner. If couples can be more open and non-judgmental, they are guaranteed a lasting relationship.

The Dating Directory

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