Plenty of people think that to boost your intimacy means having more sex. Yet, that isn’t the case at all as sexual intercourse is just one expression of intimacy.
Rather, it’s all the little things (both physical and emotional) that you and your partner do every day to maintain a close and loving relationship.
These small moments add up over time and allow both of you to lay the foundation of a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
But what if you need help to boost your intimacy?
After all, our busy modern world can make it challenging to maintain an intimate connection.
Couples counseling can help, but also consider practicing these five daily habits.
1. Take a Morning Walk Together
Going on a morning walk together is a great way to boost your intimacy. There are a couple of reasons why including:
- It gets you both out of the house.
- The physical exercise is good for both your mood and your body.
- It provides an informal space for you to talk.
- There are opportunities to the enjoy beauty, whether it’s a sunrise or hearing birds chirping in the park.
Of course, if you have a dog you have the added benefit of walking together and taking care of the family pet, too!
2. Give Hugs More Often
Need an emotional pick-me-up? Then consider giving each other hugs more often. A good hug is a great way to relieve stress and is very comforting. It’s also an affirmation that your partner cares for you as well.
Additionally, your body experiences a physiological response when you hug your partner. Research has found that your body releases oxytocin when you hug your partner oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a chemical linked with being happy and can lower the production of stress hormones and blood pressure. What more reason do you need to give your partner a hug?
3. Give Each Other Praise and Compliments
Most people enjoy receiving praise or a compliment. However, doing this with your partner is another way to boost your intimacy.
Hearing a loved one give you praise is very affirming. It reinforces that your partner believes in you and appreciates you.
Of course, you don’t want to provide compliments that are contrived or superficial. Yet, consider for a moment how often you actually do praise your partner. A compliment a day will help to boost your intimacy with each other.
4. Talk About the Deep Stuff
Any successful relationship is ultimately going to rely on solid and effective communication. For example:
- Finances
- Plans for the future
- Worries or concerns
- Celebrations
- Issues regarding family or friends
- Concerns at work
- Raising children
Taking the time to have meaningful conversations is critical for staying close as a romantic couple. Having a routine that allows for this communication—such as a daily walk—will help facilitate this process.
5. Have Fun Together
There’s always an opportunity every day to do something fun together. Having fun isn’t just an amusing way to pass the time. When you have fun with each other you are creating a stronger emotional bond and strengthening your relationship.
Of course, everyone has their own definition of fun. Think about what works for you, but don’t be afraid to mix things up and try new things.
For instance, one night you could watch a new drama on TV. The next evening can be board game night or cooking a meal together. During the weekend, get out and have an all-day adventure together.
These moments will help create loving memories that will last a lifetime.
When to Seek Support to Boost Your Intimacy
If you’re struggling to boost your intimacy, even after trying these ideas, consider getting couples counseling. A couples counselor will work with you both to get the reason why you’re having trouble. Also, they can help brainstorm new ideas for boosting intimacy in your relationship.
Boosting your intimacy means more than finding physical fulfillment. Rather, it is a journey of little moments that help to form a strong emotional bond. However, if you struggle to boost your intimacy, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Or, visit HERE to learn more about my services.