{"id":31888,"date":"2019-01-04T10:09:05","date_gmt":"2019-01-04T10:09:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=31888"},"modified":"2026-02-27T11:34:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T11:34:43","slug":"romance-and-intimacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/romance-and-intimacy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Key Differences Between Love and Intimacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"The<\/p>\n

If you’re wondering how to have the best relationship possible, you’ve probably wondered about the difference between love and intimacy. Which one is more important for <\/span>maintaining a happy relationship<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Both spouses likely have different ideas of what makes true romance. For some, romance means watching a sunset with a bottle of wine, for others romance could be cuddling on the couch together with a bucket of chicken.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, intimacy isn’t about receiving gifts or being surprised by your spouse, it’s about creating a deep connection of love, trust, and vulnerability.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the great wide world of love, it can be hard to keep things straight. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to teach you the big differences between <\/span>love and intimacy<\/span><\/a>, as well as show you how to incorporate both into your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is romance?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

The difference between intimacy and romance is that romance is often seen as a fleeting or shallow connotation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Romance a display of affection that hasn’t yet become serious, often having to do with giving gifts or compliments.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

That’s not to say that romance isn’t important in<\/span> long-term relationships<\/span><\/a>. Just the opposite!<\/span><\/p>\n

There’s a difference between physical relationship and romance. Research on regular date nights shows that spending quality time together out on the town boosts<\/span> romantic love<\/span> that is strongly connected to excitement and passion. It’s this passion and romance that help prevent relationship boredom from occurring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> The Role of Romance in a Relationship and its Importance<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
Here are 10 ways you can add more romance to your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n
  • Don’t be afraid of PDA. Giving little kisses in public, flirting, and holding hands can all boost the cuddle hormone oxytocin and make you feel more in love than ever.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Look for ways to be helpful. Empty the dishwasher, draw your spouse a bubble bath,<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Give gifts. Whether it’s something extravagant like diamonds, sweet like flowers, or subtle like picking up your spouse’s favorite soda, gift giving is a staple of romance.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Reminisce with your spouse. Recount how you first met or talk about your most <\/span>romantic moments together<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Go out on romantic dates. No kids or talking about work on this <\/span>romantic date<\/span><\/a>. This is all about wooing your spouse all over again – as if you were first dating!<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Brag about your partner. Not obnoxiously, of course, but your partner will love to hear you gush about how great they are.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Compliment each other. Who doesn’t like to be told they’re hilarious or particularly sexy looking by the person they love the most in the whole world.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
    Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a> points out,<\/p>\n
    Complimenting your partner is simply romantic.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
    • Try something new together. Take up a dance class, go skydiving, or learn a new language. This will boost romance and friendship.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Be spontaneous. Book a fancy, romantic hotel room in your city, complete with room service and an in-room jacuzzi.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Be sweet on the daily. Write “I love you” on the foggy bathroom mirror or cook your spouse their favorite meal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
      <\/span>What is intimacy?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
      There is a big difference between <\/span>love and intimacy<\/span><\/a>. Romance may spring from intimacy, but it does not create a truly intimate connection with someone.<\/span><\/p>\n
      Romance is about gestures, compliments, gifts, and giving your partner butterflies. But when it comes to the definition of intimacy, it is about the real, deep connection you create with your partner.<\/b><\/p>\n
      Here are three important aspects of intimacy with a spouse.<\/span><\/p>\n
      Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini walks you through 5 OTHER types of intimacy that are crucial for your relationship:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n