{"id":60154,"date":"2017-09-13T11:25:14","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T11:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/how-important-is-intimacy-in-a-relationship\/"},"modified":"2024-06-27T21:51:57","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T21:51:57","slug":"how-important-is-intimacy-in-a-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/how-important-is-intimacy-in-a-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"How Important Is Intimacy in a Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"happy<\/p>\n

The true definition of intimacy cannot be described in words properly. It’s a psychological state where both the partners feel very close, attached to each other, and share a sense of belonging.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intimacy is all about feeling alive, content, ecstatic, and at the same time, <\/span>being vulnerable<\/span><\/a>. It is a state of relationship that can’t be achieved overnight. It takes time to grow gradually, where two people get closely attached to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our souls crave intimacy<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

—Erwin Raphael McManus<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/span>What is intimacy in a relationship?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When we think of intimacy, automatically, we tend to equate it with sex or physical closeness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though intimacy encompasses all these, it is actually far more than just being sexually intimate. It has a bigger purpose where mutual understanding and interdependence are essentially required.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though we can’t ignore the importance of physical intimacy in a<\/span> healthy relationship<\/span><\/a>, emotional intimacy is the prerequisite of having any kind of physical intimacy with your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What are the different types of intimacy?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

What is intimacy in a relationship or when you are in a relationship? Did you know that there are different categories of intimacy between partners?<\/span><\/p>\n

This comprises emotional, sexual, mental, or intellectual togetherness, intimacy in a relationship has a broader aspect. When it comes to having a<\/span> successful marital or conjugal relationship<\/span><\/a>, emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual intimacy should work amicably.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Christiana Njoku, <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Emotional intimacy is the thread that joins two hearts together, stitching fondness and love into an unbreakable bond.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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    Emotional intimacy: Strengthens the bond between the couple<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>

    \"couple<\/p>\n

    Emotional intimacy in a relationship is the precondition to developing that mind bubbling physical connection, which is our very first thought about being close to someone.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It is a state of elation where a couple<\/span> connects with each other at an emotional level<\/span><\/a> free from any worldly complexities.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You feel close to one another by sharing your desires, feelings, dreams, aspirations, secrets, and by the process, you become vulnerable to one another. Thus, chemistry builds up between the couple.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Emotional intimacy in a relationship nurtures the bond.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To have emotional intimacy, you don’t need to spend hours together. Just spending 10 minutes of <\/span>quality time together<\/span><\/a> or helping each other with household chores can also improve emotional intimacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It instills trust, understanding, acceptance, and makes you feel more connected to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

    From affection, love, romance, sex to spirituality, emotional intimacy comprises every feeling that is pivotal for<\/span> keeping your marriage or relationship strong<\/span><\/a>. When sexual fondness and desires fade away with growing age, only emotional intimacy remains and connects the couple at the deepest level.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      Physical intimacy: The basic requirement to make a relationship thrive<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      It is a potent and common way of showing the love that brings you closer to your partner.  It is not only about sex or making out; physical intimacy is more than just having sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

      This makes you believe that you have importance and a special place in your heart for your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Your submission, dedication, belongingness, desperation for each other-everything is reflected when you become <\/span>physically intimate with your partner<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Apart from sexual chemistry, a simple back rub, a romantic body massage, holding hands, cozy hugs, or a sweet kiss are also considered forms of physical intimacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

      From overcoming insecurities and mitigating differences to feel the warmth of love, physical intimacy has a great role in relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Without physical intimacy in a relationship, a marriage or relationship can’t flourish and sustain properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The video below discusses John Kironde’s technique of skin to skin meditation to improve physical intimacy in the relationship. Try it out:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n