How to increase physical intimacy in a relationship

What is Intimacy for you?

Intimacy is total acceptance, and reciprocal pleasure turning on a couple.

Intimacy is the most private feeling that you would share with someone else in your sexual relationship

Love, affection, and tenderness, which give pleasure, ecstasy, and enrichment to relationships, can fluctuate over the course of time.

Physical intimacy can help to draw us together and creates the climate for a lasting, stable relationship.

Decreased sensual intimacy and failed acceptance of physical connection can dampen passion and love.

If sexual desire and performance wane, it may be decoded as a loss of intimacy and affection. That sets up a vicious cycle: a loss of feelings of mutuality leads to decreased sexual attraction and satisfaction, which further undermines the mutuality.

Romantic relationships can bring us unavoidable pain that is inherent to intimacy. So, how to increase physical intimacy in a relationship?

In a romantic relationship, we can’t get away from the inevitable pain that shows up in moments of deprivation, loneliness, disappointment, hurt, insecurity, and disconnection.

As a result, we long to merge and be seen and accepted by our partners, while we also fear being rejected, abandoned, engulfed, or judged.

The Importance of Physical Intimacy

Discover the incredible significance of physical intimacy in fostering a profound connection with your partner.

In the journey of love, physical intimacy stands as a powerful pillar that goes beyond mere touch or proximity. It encompasses a realm where souls intertwine, where hearts synchronize, and where bonds deepen with every embrace. Physical intimacy is the language of love spoken through tender caresses, warm hugs, and passionate moments shared.

When we embrace physical intimacy in our relationships, we open the door to a world of emotional connection that transcends words. It is a dance of vulnerability and trust, where walls crumble, and souls are laid bare. The power of physical touch, whether gentle or passionate, has the remarkable ability to ignite sparks of desire, ignite flames of passion, and ignite bonds that withstand the tests of time.

Through physical intimacy, we affirm our love, express our desires, and create a safe haven where our true selves can be seen and accepted. It is in the gentle touch of a hand on a weary shoulder, the warm embrace that offers solace, and the passionate kiss that speaks volumes of desire, that we find solace, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

How Physical Intimacy Enhances Relationships

Unveil the ways in which physical intimacy can elevate and enrich every aspect of your relationship.

Physical intimacy is not confined to the realm of the body; it has a profound impact on the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of our relationships. When nurtured and embraced, physical intimacy becomes a catalyst for growth, connection, and a deepening of love.

One of the remarkable ways physical intimacy enhances relationships is by fostering emotional closeness. Through gentle touches, warm embraces, and intimate gestures, we create a bridge that allows emotions to flow freely. Physical intimacy acts as a conduit, enabling us to communicate our love, care, and affection in a language understood by the heart. It builds a foundation of trust and security, paving the way for emotional vulnerability and creating a space where both partners can feel truly seen and understood.

Moreover, physical intimacy strengthens the bond between partners, igniting a spark that keeps the fire of passion alive. The magnetic pull of bodies, the dance of intimacy, and the shared pleasure between partners create a profound sense of unity and desire. It rekindles the flame of romance, revitalizes the connection, and reminds us of the beauty and intensity of our love.

Physical intimacy also has the power to improve overall relationship satisfaction. When we engage in physical closeness, whether through a gentle touch or an intimate moment, our bodies release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of happiness, contentment, and attachment. This hormonal response deepens our bond and fosters a sense of security, contributing to a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship.

Physical intimacy is an essential ingredient in the recipe for love. It transcends the physical realm and touches the very core of our being, nurturing connection, passion, and emotional well-being. By embracing physical intimacy, we open ourselves to a world of boundless love and endless possibilities, enriching every aspect of our relationships and creating a foundation for lasting happiness.

How to increase physical intimacy in a relationship: We want it and fear it

Love and affection can ease many of the tensions that arise in couples and can override the natural selfishness that arises from time to time.

But even though you swore eternal devotion during the infatuation period—in the belief that your love would last forever—physical intimacy may begin to wane and your love will slip away.

Because we both yearn for intimacy and fear it, we are drawn into a dance of moving toward connection while at times running away in order to protect ourselves.

But physical intimacy alone does not provide the connective tissue of a relationship.

Importance of psychological connection

Remember, commitment, loyalty, and trust— protect the closeness, intimacy, and security of the loving bond.

If they do not grow, you must make an effort to integrate them into the relationship.

Knowing that your partner will never leave you, for example, gives you a feeling of safety and confidence in the relationship.

While the physical connection is a powerful magnet that brings people together, it also contains a core of forces that can tear them apart.

 

At first, couples expect that they will ride a wave of euphoria right through the marriage and that their mate will always be devoted and self-sacrificing.

A series of big and small shocks await them as they discover afterward that these expectations are unfounded.

Sensitivities, moodiness, and differing rhythms for lovemaking can lead to a cycle of frustration and blame.

In a way, intimacy is a by-product of caring, acceptance, sensitivity, and understanding.

By the same token, it is undermined by misunderstandings, indiscriminate criticism and blaming, and insensitivity.

When couples indulge in criticizing, punishing, or controlling each other, they have to consider what they lose in intimacy. When intimacy is lost because of conflicts and battles, a major binding force in marriage goes with it.

 

Do you share your private thoughts and wishes?
Do you feel free to tell your partner things that you would not tell anybody else?
Do you like your partner to confide in you?

The reduction or loss of physical intimacy

The reduction or loss of physical intimacy in marriage is far more common than most people realize.

A research study found that even among happily married couples, at least 40 percent reported a reduction of sexual interest and desire over the course of time.

There are many reasons for this reduction. In general, the infatuation of courtship feeds the flames of desire; as the infatuation dies down, the intensity of the passion diminishes, too.

As a marriage matures, other concerns of the partners, such as earning a living, making a home, and raising a family, become more pressing—absorbing some of the energy that had previously been channeled into romance.

Gradually, the roles of the wage earner and homemaker take primacy over the roles of the lover. Finally, the fatigue and stress of work, child-rearing, household duties, medical problems, and substance abuse tend to dampen sexual desire.

The major factors in reducing sexual desire after marriage, however, are psychological, stemming from attitudes toward oneself, toward sex, and toward one’s partner.

Self-doubts and fear of intimacy

Self-doubts involving a sense of inadequacy or a fear of failure can carry over into sexual activities. Or you may have specific concerns about sex.

 You may dislike the size of your breasts or the shape of your thighs. You may feel ashamed or self-critical, and you may avoid sex because of this.

Further, many husbands and wives are concerned about their ability to perform adequately, to satisfy themselves and their spouses. This “performance anxiety” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: by paying too much attention to their performance, they rob sex of much of its fun. Ultimately, sex may seem so much of a challenge or test that they lose a desire for it.

 

Interpersonal problems between partners are a frequent source of trouble in their sex life.

 

One of the most obvious problems is a discrepancy in their preferences—when, where, how, how long, and how often. Conflicting desires about timing, frequency, or a variety of sex, breed resentment, anxiety, or guilt.

These unpleasant emotions can then pervade and contaminate their sexual contact.

Negative feelings do not necessarily interfere with sexual desire.

Many people find that sex is a welcome relief from feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness. But when these feelings are directed toward the mate, they can be accentuated rather than relieved by sex.

Sometimes they inhibit sexual arousal.

There are exceptions, of course—when angry feelings are dispelled by fighting, for instance, and the partners’ passions become aroused afterward.

A medley of attitudes toward your mate can encroach on your sexual feelings. For instance, people who regard sex as a “serious business” or who are depressed may experience inhibition of sexual desire.

Or, if you believe that your mate is using you, doesn’t care about your feelings, or is undeserving, you may experience an automatic choking off of your sexual desire.

The loss of desire itself may lead to misunderstandings that further complicate the sexual as well as the nonsexual relationship.

 

Ken, for example, interpreted Marjorie’s loss of interest as a passive way of punishing him, of making him feel guilty for yelling at her.

Martin believed that when Melanie turned off, she was trying to control the nature of their lovemaking, to force him into being more romantic.

Wendy interpreted Hal’s waning sexual interest as a sign that he no longer cared for her. Of course in some cases, such interpretations may be valid, but usually, they are wrong.

Although people do not turn it off voluntarily, they can turn it on again voluntarily if they use the right methods.

Correct your Thoughts During Sex

By correcting negative attitudes and misinterpretations, you can find that your sexual desire can once again become active.

Read each statement and indicate how frequently you have these thoughts during sex: (0) never (1) rarely (2) occasionally (3) frequently (4) most of the time (5) all the time

Doubts about Self 

• Parts of my body are not attractive.
•  My body is not sexy enough.
•  I am not good at this.
• I won’t reach a climax.
• I won’t satisfy my partner.

Doubts about Partner

• You’re in too much of a hurry.
• You’re only interested in your own pleasure.
• You’re too mechanical.
• I wonder what you’re thinking.
• I’m afraid I’ll let you down.
• I’m worried that you’ll be upset if we stop.
•  I’m bothered that you’re not turned on.
• How long is this going to take?
• That doesn’t feel good, but I’m afraid to tell you.
• You’re trying too hard
• I wish you’d relax.
• You’re trying too hard
• I wish you’d relax.
•  I’m concerned that you won’t have a climax.
•  I wish you enjoyed this more.
• You talk too much.
•  If only this weren’t so important.
•  I’m not really enjoying this.
• This is all you’re interested in.

Shoulds

• I feel I have to do whatever you want.
• I ought to enjoy this more.
• I’m expected to get turned on.
• We both should succeed at this.
• I feel obliged to give you an orgasm.
• I’m supposed to have an orgasm.

Negativity

• I’m just not in the mood.
• Why should I get interested?
• It’s not going to work for me.
• I might as well give up.
• I’m only doing this to please you.
• I’m going through the motions, but it means nothing to me. I’m too tired.
• It’s too much effort.
• I’ll be damned if I’ll give in to your desire.

Whether you frequently have a large number of these thoughts and attitudes or whether only a few occur frequently, they can color your feelings about sex, damping down your normal sexual desire and possibly leading you to avoid sex completely.

The anticipation of unpleasantness or indifference can increase over the years.

It is fed by beliefs such as “I’m too old to get turned on”

 “Sex is a burden” or “Sex is just for my partner—why should I get involved?”

 

Self-Therapy for Sex Problems

There are certain obvious things that you can do to increase sexual desire and enjoyment, such as use the methods of self-therapy for improving communication.

Although it may be difficult at first, you can use these techniques to discuss each other’s wishes concerning when and how often you will have sex.

Cognitive techniques that can resolve problems with sex include correcting faulty attitudes and misinterpretations and using imagery to increase arousal. Learn to observe and face the unavoidable pain of intimacy, without using relationship-destroying strategies

As a way of breaking the ice, you could ask your partner about his or her likes and dislikes before plunging in with statements about your own preferences.

Enhance your sex drive

Some of the techniques for enhancing sex—such as relaxation, gradual bodily stimulation, focusing on sensation—or for overcoming specific problems are beyond the scope of this volume.

You can also bring up touchy subjects like differences in styles and each other’s preferences regarding specifics such as foreplay, positions, and preferred kind of stimulation.

Add Sensuality to Your Physical Intimacy

What comes to mind when you think about physical intimacy? For many, the first thoughts are of sexual intercourse, orgasms, and all the pleasurable acts that may come before and after.  Anything else?

Now think about Sensuality.

What comes to mind?

Usually, some pleasant experience involves touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, or feeling—such as walking on the beach or being massaged with sweet-smelling oil.

How about the roughness of a beard or the silkiness of hair?

The smell of your partner? Chocolate?

You get the idea.

FAQs about Increasing Physical Intimacy