After being in a long-term relationship, it’s common for couples to experience a dip in intimacy. Whether it’s due to stress, children, work, or other factors, it’s important to actively work on reconnecting with your partner to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. Here are some tips on how to become intimate with your partner again:
It also means sharing the parts you think your partner might disagree with. Connection Rituals are less about the actions, and more about what they represent to you – that you’re prioritizing time with each other in meaningful ways. This means that almost every interaction you have with your partner is an opportunity to create intimacy. Spending time together without electronics can give you a chance to give each other some undivided attention. Plan a weekly date night, a monthly board game night, or a nightly moment to check in one-on-one before bedtime, away from the kids or other responsibilities.
As long as you keep that in mind even during fights, your fights will be constructive. You’ll focus on finding the solution instead of hurting each other. One bad fight could end a relationship, so the way you handle problems matters. Don’t let things get too heated, use name-calling, or give the silent treatment.
And, that bond, in turn, increases our wish to self-disclose. A good sexual relationship is built on emotional intimacy and closeness. In other words, if you’re hoping to improve your physical relationship, you need to first work on your emotional connection. Focus on meeting your partner’s needs and communicating your own needs in a loving, respectful way. Expressing yourself means telling people what you really think and feel. When you open up, it can be anxiety provoking, because you feel vulnerable to your partner’s criticism and/or judgement.
Communicate Openly
Basically, there are three ways to restore sexual energy in a relationship that has stalled. The first I call “Top Down” that encourages couples to “Just Do It!” This begins a pattern of sexual intimacy that can build on itself once the ice is broken. Since how we act strongly influences how we think and feel, simply diving in headfirst (no pun intended) and resuming sex can be a powerful catalyst for increasing sexual interest and activity.
One of the most crucial aspects of rebuilding intimacy is communication. Make sure to set aside time to talk openly and honestly with your partner about your feelings, desires, and concerns. This will help create a safe space for both of you to express yourselves without judgment.
If your partner’s family and friends like you, your partner will like you even more. So, make an effort with their loved ones and try to leave a good impression. Men in particular are often taught that sharing intimate emotions and fears is a sign of weakness. Help your partner understand that they can share everything with you and that it doesn’t make them in any way weak. Accept and love them for who they are and let them act like themselves around you. Learn about their love language and show them love in their preferred way sometimes.
Regardless of the automatic defense, when things are not going well and closing in, you must attempt to demonstrate vulnerability. Vulnerability can assist your partner in better comprehending your emotions and trying to increase intimacy as a result. Appreciation is a broad term that can be expressed through the smallest gestures.
Maybe you are denying your partner or coming on too strong. Avoid criticizing each other and stop the “blame game.” Mix things up to end the power struggle. The Gottman Relationship Adviser, the world’s first complete relationship wellness tool for couples, takes the guesswork out of improving your relationship. Measure your relationship health with a research-based self-assessment, then receive a tailored digital relationship plan proven to heal and strengthen your connection. However, experts in psychology and wellness suggest that you can learn strategies to make your marriage close again. Every loving and compassionate relationship needs an additional boost of energy and new ideas for conversation, so we have relationship-building…
Plan Quality Time Together
Life can get busy, but it’s essential to prioritize spending quality time with your partner. Schedule regular date nights or weekend getaways to focus on each other and rekindle the spark that brought you together in the first place.
Physical Touch
Physical touch plays a significant role in intimacy. Take the time to hold hands, hug, kiss, and cuddle with your partner. Small gestures of affection can go a long way in reigniting the passion between you.
Explore Each Other’s Love Languages
Understanding each other’s love languages can help improve communication and connection in your relationship. Take the time to learn how your partner best receives love and make an effort to show love in their preferred way.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to reconnect with your partner on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor. A professional can provide guidance and support to help you navigate any issues standing in the way of intimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to rebuild intimacy with your partner?
- What if my partner is not receptive to rebuilding intimacy?
Every relationship is different, so the timeline for rebuilding intimacy can vary. Patience and consistent effort are key.
It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your desires and concerns. If needed, seek help from a professional to mediate the discussion.
By following these tips and being proactive in rebuilding intimacy, you can strengthen your bond with your partner and create a more fulfilling relationship for both of you.
