

{"id":26522,"date":"2018-08-27T15:15:12","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T15:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=26522"},"modified":"2023-06-15T07:14:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T07:14:53","slug":"strengthen-emotional-intimacy-in-a-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/strengthen-emotional-intimacy-in-a-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-26524 size-full\" title=\"What Does It Take to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in a Marriage\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/What-Does-It-Take-to-Strengthen-Emotional-Intimacy-in-a-Marriage-2.jpg\" alt=\"What Does It Take to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy in a Marriage\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The couple that you think of as the ideal couple may have something very special that makes them the &ldquo;it&rdquo; couple. This something special could be emotional intimacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/repairing-emotional-intimacy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the closeness between a couple bonded by emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong emotional intimacy can be reflected in the way a couple talks and interacts and even in the way they sit together. Couples with this kind of bonding are drawn to each other like magnets, making them your ideal couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The greater the level of emotional intimacy, the more enjoyable your marriage and relationship will be.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-Is-emotional-intimacy\"><\/span><b>What Is emotional intimacy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy refers to the deep connection and vulnerability shared between individuals. It involves open and honest communication, trust, empathy, and mutual understanding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy allows people to feel safe expressing their feelings, fears, and desires without judgment. It nurtures a sense of closeness, validation, and support in relationships, fostering a strong emotional bond and enhancing overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-Is-emotional-intimacy-important-in-a-marriage\"><\/span><b>Why Is emotional intimacy important in a marriage?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy is vital in a marriage as it creates a strong bond, fosters trust and understanding, enhances communication, and promotes overall marital satisfaction and well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy in marriage allows partners to feel seen, heard, and valued, leading to a deeper connection and increased marital stability. It also helps couples navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and maintain long-lasting love and fulfillment in their relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/emotional-intimacy-in-marriage\/\" title=\"Why Is Emotional Intimacy Important in a Marriage?\">Why Is Emotional Intimacy Important in a Marriage?<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-can-emotional-intimacy-be-affected-in-a-marriage\"><\/span><b>How can emotional intimacy be affected in a marriage?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intimacy plays an important role in a marriage. Emotional intimacy can be affected in marriage in several ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of open and honest communication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to express feelings and emotions freely<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trust issues and betrayal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional distance and detachment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor conflict resolution skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neglecting the emotional needs of the partner<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive focus on individual needs rather than the relationship<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress, work pressures, and external factors impacting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/emotional-connection-between-two-loving-partners\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional connection<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of quality time and shared experiences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resentment and unresolved past issues hindering intimacy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-improve-emotional-intimacy-in-marriage-10-ways\"><\/span><b>How to improve emotional intimacy in marriage: 10 ways<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a marriage is experiencing intimacy problems, it is crucial to understand how to fix intimacy problems in a marriage. Some people find it hard to pinpoint what exactly emotional intimacy is in couples, and that makes it hard for them to imitate intimacy in their own relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know some tips below:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Openness<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples that are emotionally intimate choose to be incredibly vulnerable and open with each other. They do not have any barriers that their partner has to break, and they bring their heart and soul to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But keep in mind that breaking such barriers take some time because most people who start a new relationship have trust issues and keep their guard up due to past experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As time passes, the guards start to come down, and you can get access to who your partner truly is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To create an open atmosphere in your relationship, you will have to lead. In order for your partner to let their guard down, you will have to do it first.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/things-that-may-be-keeping-you-from-opening-up-to-your-partner\/\" title=\"5 Things That Are Keeping You From Opening up to Your Partner\">5 Things That Are Keeping You From Opening up to Your Partner<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-72652\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/communication-kick-starts-in-marriage-without-intimacy.jpg\" alt=\"Young attractive couple having romantic time in bed\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Compassion and honesty<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Openness in a relationship can only be successful if you be honest. When you speak to your partner, you must have a compassionate heart and an honest tongue. There may be some harsh truths that you need to let your spouse know. However, you can let them know without crushing their heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way of how to improve emotional intimacy in marriage and grow closer to each other is by being honest and compassionate towards each other.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Physical touch<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important that you understand the role of being physical as one of the ways to build emotional intimacy and transmit emotions. A simple touch can communicate a lot if it is done right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some women hear the words &ldquo;I love you&rdquo; when their husbands play with their hair, whereas some men hear those three words while getting a neck rub.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotionally intimate couples understand that<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/top-10-causes-of-relationship-communication-problems\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">communication in relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not always mean you are talking. Sometimes to communicate, you have to let your body speak and let your partner know how they make you feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To bring more emotional yet<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical intimacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your relationship, you need to start being physical outside the bedroom; try giving more hugs, holding hands, tickling your spouse, or just making more eye contact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Forgiveness<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriages that last the longest are often made of people who can forgive each other. Being married to someone means you have to stick with them through thick and thin. Marriage is a long-term commitment, and people can make mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order for a couple to be emotionally intimate and maintain their level of intimacy,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forgiveness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> must be at play.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If couples do not forgive each other, then slowly, they might create distance, and with distance comes resentment. And before you know it, these couples end up throwing the towel on their marriage.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important that both partners learn to forgive one another instead of holding a grudge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out this powerful and insightful video that delves into the transformative journey of forgiveness within a marriage:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LLr3J2t0Voc\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Effective communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication is the foundation of emotional intimacy and an important way of how to improve emotional intimacy. Create an open and non-judgmental space where you and your partner can express your thoughts, feelings, and needs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actively listen to each other, practice empathy, and validate your partner&rsquo;s emotions. Make time for meaningful conversations regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Quality time together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For building intimacy in marriage, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8320759\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spend quality time together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without distractions. Engage in activities you both enjoy, such as going for walks, cooking together, or pursuing shared hobbies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regularly set aside dedicated time for dates or simply relax and reconnect as a couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Express love and appreciation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show affection, gratitude, and appreciation for your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small gestures like hugs, kisses, holding hands, and saying &ldquo;I love you&rdquo; can go a long way in strengthening emotional bonds. Regularly express gratitude for your partner&rsquo;s efforts and the qualities you admire.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Emotional support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be there for your partner during both the highs and lows. Offer support, empathy, and a listening ear when they are facing challenges or experiencing difficult emotions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Validate their feelings and provide reassurance. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8443030\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being emotionally available<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for each other fosters trust and deepens the connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Vulnerability and trust<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foster an environment of trust and vulnerability where both partners feel safe to share their deepest fears, insecurities, and dreams.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/0265407519853047\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">open about your own vulnerabilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and encourage your partner to do the same. This level of vulnerability fosters a deeper emotional connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Shared goals and future planning<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discuss and work towards shared goals and dreams for the future. This can involve planning for a family, career aspirations, or personal growth.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collaborating on long-term plans strengthens the emotional bond and creates a sense of unity and purpose within the marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/marriage-goals-for-a-healthy-relationship\/\" title=\"15 Marriage Goals for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship\">15 Marriage Goals for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaway\"><\/span><b>Takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone aspires to be the ideal couple, the talk of the party and the entire town; however, deep intimacy comes with a high level of openness, honesty, compassion, and forgiveness. So, how to improve emotional intimacy in the marriage?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It involves a degree of vulnerability that might be uncomfortable for many and even induce anxiety. But such feelings tend to diminish over time due to practice, and this paves the way for more love and trust for one another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re wondering how to fix intimacy problems in a marriage, it&rsquo;s crucial to prioritize open dialogue, seek <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if needed, and explore shared activities that foster emotional connection and closeness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples who are able to engage in such a level of intimacy can be at peace with themselves and with one another.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can easily share their failures and mistakes without being embarrassed; they can talk about their ashamed moments, feelings of insufficiency, their dark side, visions, hopes, and dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such couples are likely to show and express more appreciation and gratitude towards one another and be satisfied with their life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of this leads to an enhanced state of well-being, better physical health, and a good outlook on life. There are bumps that occasionally show up along your road. However, ignoring these bumps and figuring out life together each other is what makes you a good couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make use of the above-mentioned examples as you walk through the long road of marriage and aspire to be better people and even better partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The couple that you think of as the ideal couple may have something very special that makes them the &ldquo;it&rdquo; couple. This something special could be emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy is the closeness between a couple bonded by emotions. Strong emotional intimacy can be reflected in the way a couple talks and interacts and even in the way they sit together. Couples with this kind of bonding are drawn to each other like magnets, making them your ideal couple. The greater the level of emotional intimacy, the more enjoyable your marriage and relationship will be. What Is emotional intimacy? Emotional <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":26524,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[2527],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26522"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26522"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":86792,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26522\/revisions\/86792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26524"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}