Intimacy is the building block of a healthy, solid long-term relationship. Emotional and physical intimacy at a deep level strengthens relationships between partners, but a lack of intimacy can breed resentment and feelings of loneliness. If you feel your connection with your partner isn’t quite as intimate as you’d like, there are ten ways to enhancing intimacy in a long-term relationship.
MAKE TIME TOGETHER A PRIORITY
Household activities make it easy to forget your relationship. Take some quality time each day to spend quality time together without work, phones, or other responsibilities getting in the way. Be sincere in the conversation and the use of eyes to nurture your emotional bond.
TRY NEW EXPERIENCES
Routine is stabilizing but can lead to stagnation. Trying new things together—traveling, a new hobby, or experimenting with new things in the bedroom—adds excitement and keeps the relationship fresh. New experiences form bonding and can rekindle passion.
SHARE LAUGHTER
Partners who share humor have more emotional and physical closeness. Humor builds connection and can deepen relationships, making adversity a little easier to handle. Humor helps maintain intimacy and build positive feelings about each other.
RECALL HAPPY MOMENTS
Self-reflection about pleasant memories has the potential to revive loving feelings. Recalling earlier cheerful moments solidifies good feelings about your partner and maintains an intimate and emotionally fulfilling relationship.
AMPLIFY BODY CONTACT
Physical contact is a powerful relationship builder. Hand-holding, hugging, snuggling, and other non-sexual contact release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” Casual, frequent physical contact can emotionally bond partners.
STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Doing new and challenging things produces a feeling of closeness. Carve out time for adventures, large or small, to break the routine and deepen your bonding through shared experience.
SCHEDULE INTIMACY
While planning sex may not be romantic, prioritizing physical intimacy can keep a hot relationship hot. Anticipation builds anticipation, and setting aside time for intimacy ensures that daily stressors won’t interfere with your physical connection.
KEEP DAILY COMMUNICATION
Stay in touch throughout the day with messages, notes, or quick check-ins. Don’t only discuss logistics or tasks—ask each other about thoughts, dreams, and feelings. A strong emotional connection leads to a deeper sense of intimacy.
SHOW APPRECIATION
Express gratitude and acknowledge one another’s hard work. A simple compliment or a sincere “thank you” will make your partner feel valued. Feeling valued strengthens emotional bonding and provides a sense of belonging in the relationship.
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SUPPORT EACH OTHER
Be emotionally available to your partner. Listen carefully, offer encouragement, and show empathy. Being able to rely on each other in need provides security and confirms your emotional connection.
EMBRACE VULNERABILITY
Openness is required to achieve real intimacy. Sharing your dreams, insecurities, and fears with your partner establishes emotional trust. Vulnerability is painful, but it brings you closer and provides a safe haven for emotional intimacy.
HOLD ON TO INDIVIDUALITY
It’s required to put relationship first, but maintaining individual interests and friendships establishes a stronger, healthier dynamic. A balanced life achieves maximum self-satisfaction and allows you to bring energy and positivity into your relationship.
CONCLUSION
Intimacy is a key part of a strong and healthy relationship. By spending time together, being honest with each other, and prioritizing emotional and physical intimacy, couples can solidify their connection in enhancing intimacy in a long-term relationship. If intimacy problems persist, couples therapy may be a useful source of insight. Cultivating intimacy not only enhances your relationship but also enhances overall health and happiness.