Intimacy has been defined as “a close, familiar, and affectionate personal relationship”, as “closeness” or as “a deep association with or deep understanding of”. Intimacy is not just a physical connection between two people, it’s especially about truly knowing and understanding someone and about accepting them the way they are without trying to change anything about them. Sam Keene once said that “We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”. Because all relationships, even the best ones, need a little pick-me-up sometimes, here are a few very helpful tips on how to increase intimacy with your partner:
One of the most important things you should do if you want to increase the intimacy in your relationship is to work on improving the communication with your partner. Be a better listener, learn how to communicate what you need, ask for help or just learn how to express things in a way your partner will actually hear.
Physical intimacy is more than just sex; it’s about cuddling, kissing, hugging, spending time together, holding hands and even a back rub after a long hard day at work. Just watch a movie together and cuddle in front of a fire, kiss each other hello and goodbye and show your partner that you like to be with them and that you are interested in them physically not just sexually.
Even though you’ve been together for a long time, I’m sure that there’s still something new you can learn about your partner every day. Make some time every now and then and talk to your significant other about your dreams, goals and aspirations, about your childhood or even about the things you worry or about your successes. This will strengthen that special bond that you two share and it will increase the intimacy in your relationship.
Every time you encounter a problem, try to solve it together. Whether you just want to vent about a specific issue or you have to work out parenting issues with your kids, do it together. Learn how to count on each other when you are facing different challenges since this is a huge part of lasting relationships.
Try new hobbies and get involved in your partner’s passions. If your partner likes fishing or running and you don’t, just give it a try, you may discover that you actually enjoy doing that thing when you’re with them. Share some passions and activities with your significant other since this will bring you closer together, increasing the intimacy in your relationship.
If you want to increase intimacy with your partner, give them your full attention when they are talking to you. Put down the remote control, phone or whatever you are reading and listen to what they have to say. They will feel important, cherished and loved and they will appreciate you more.
This actually refers to your willingness to talk to your significant other about whatever is troubling you or about whatever is on your mind. You shouldn’t fear broaching a specific topic because venting problems and finding solutions will help strengthen that special bond that you two share.
To increase the intimacy in your relationship, you should be affectionate more often, you should spend more quality time with your loved one, you should make your partner feel noticed by paying them compliments and you should be willing to learn from each other. Do you know any other ways to increase intimacy with your partner? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Sources:
tinybuddha.com
yourtango.com
newlyweds.about.com
canadianliving.com
simplemarriage.net
drchristinahibbert.com