A key part of having strong and healthy relationships is becoming emotionally close to your partner. People who are deeply involved in close relationships not only have better health and happiness, but they also have a 50% higher chance of living longer. Research shows over and over that people do best when they feel close to someone they care about.
RELATED: IS WATCHING PORN CHEATING?
Intimacy, as defined by feeling "understood, accepted, and cared for", involves both physical and mental aspects. Doing things that make people feel close build trust, warmth, and a deep sense of bonding.
Intimacy is the feeling of being close and connected with other people. It can affect more than just sexual relationships; it can also affect friendships, family ties, and other acquaintances.
The word "intimacy" comes from the Latin word "intimus," which means "inner" or "innermost." In romance languages, the word "intimate" usually refers to a person's deepest traits, stressing how close the two people are. This level of depth is important for keeping relationships strong.
Below we’ll go into detail about different aspects of closeness and gives you ideas on how to make your relationship stronger.
5 TYPES OF INTIMACY IN RELATIONSHIPS
You might quickly think of physical intimacy, which is often confused with sex. But it's important to recognize and value other forms of intimacy that are just as important, especially in romantic relationships.
1. PHYSICAL INTIMACY
Physical closeness includes more than just sexual contact. It also includes things like hugs, holding hands, cuddling, and touching skin to skin. These everyday acts of kindness that seem to be showing love help a lot with feeling close.
2. EMOTIONAL INTIMACY
This type of friendship is unique because it allows people to share their deepest, most private feelings. In this kind of setting, people feel safe enough to show their weaknesses because they know they will be understood, supported, and cared for. Still feeling insecure in your relationship? Wondering how to catch your spouse cheating? Try this tool for free!
3. INTELLECTUAL INTIMACY
Involves the exchange of ideas, opinions, and thoughts, even if disagreements exist. Engaging in discussions that challenge each other's perspectives, such as talking about a shared book, exemplifies intellectual intimacy.
4. EXPERIENTIAL INTIMACY
Shared experiences contribute significantly to relationship health, creating memories that deepen the bond. Participating in activities and pursuing hobbies together strengthens this form of intimacy.
5. SPIRITUAL INTIMACY
Beyond religious beliefs, spiritual intimacy encompasses shared values and beliefs.
Engaging in religious practices, discussing spiritual topics, or marveling at profound sights together exemplifies spiritual intimacy.
WHY IT CAN BE HARD TO GET CLOSER?
While every relationship experiences its highs and lows, certain obstacles can impede intimacy, or it might gradually diminish without proper attention.
- CONFLICT—Frequent arguments, coupled with feelings of resentment and mistrust, pose significant barriers to intimacy.
- STRESS – Life stresses, like work and money problems, can make it harder for both partners to be close over time.
- COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS – An important part of intimacy is being able to talk about your feelings and wants. However, communication problems make this harder to do.
- FEAR OF INTIMACY – Past traumas or experiences might instill a fear of intimacy, impeding the formation of meaningful connections.
As Jennifer Pearson, a family psychologist, notices: "Being close to each other can help build trust and happiness, but it's not the only thing that can tell you about longevity or health. It's not just how close two people are that determines how healthy a relationship is. There are many other factors as well. To get a more complete picture of what makes relationships strong and last, you should firstly understand how each person's needs and differences affect relationships."
6 WAYS TO BUILD A HEALTHY INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP
These ideas can help you create a space where people feel understood, accepted, and cared for. Like any other skill, getting better at something takes practice and learning. By committing to regular exercise, you make it possible for your relationships to thrive.
1. SEEK UNDERSTANDING FIRST
Listening is an important skill that people often forget about, but it's the basis for good relationships. To listen well, you have to be able to concentrate and ignore distractions like phones or your own thoughts. To understand, you need to give someone your full attention, let them talk for a while, and pick up on both spoken and unspoken signs.
Do not make assumptions, do not rush to fix problems, and be open to difficult discussions. Get interested, ask questions, and make it safe for the other person to talk.
2. DEMONSTRATE CONCERN AND ACCURACY
Accurately reflecting on what you've learned is just as important as showing interest through body language, words, and questions. Regular summaries are part of reflective listening to make sure you understand correctly and show that you have a deeper knowledge. This includes not only what the story is about, but also how it makes you feel. Not sure how you feel about your partner? Curious how to find out if someone has dating profiles? Here’s a free solution!
3. PRACTICE EMPATHY
Understanding and thinking how someone else feels is a higher level of empathy than sympathy. Recognize how they feel, and if you're not sure, ask them to explain. Real empathy makes support and relationship stronger.
4. OFFER AFFIRMATION AND SUPPORT
Affirm their thoughts and feelings, even if you don't agree with them. This will help build trust. If you want to give help, be clear about how you can do it. Understanding and clarity make the base even stronger.
5. SHARE YOUR TRUTH WITHOUT JUDGMENT
It's easier to say what you think when the other person knows they are being heard. Avoid negative opinions when you talk to people. If you want someone to change their behavior, be clear about what you want and focus on what you agree on.
6. RECIPROCITY, GROWTH, AND COMMITMENT
Giving and taking between two people is more than 50% of a balanced friendship. Both people give from their strengths, which helps others grow and deals with differences. Commitment recognizes the constant work, patience, and forgiveness that are needed for a relationship to work.
All of these techniques help you get through times when your emotions are strong. On their own, they keep improving the way relationships work, which builds skills and sets the stage for long-term success.
