When we think of intimacy, we often think of sex.
What is intimacy?
Intimacy canexist in all types of relationship, from friendships to family relationships to romantic ones.
“If you want to be intimate in some way, you want to connect.”
As psychologistKarin Anderson Abrell, Ph.D.,previouslytold mbg, intimacy in relationships creates a feeling of social support.
“Oxytocin is known as the bonding hormone.
Emotional intimacy
Emotional intimacy involves candid, authentic sharing of thoughts and feelings.
We confide in people whom we trust.
We also don’t expect them to embarrass or belittle us.
Intellectual intimacy
Comfort with communicating beliefs and viewpoints without worrying about potential conflicts creates intellectual intimacy.
This atmosphere encourages stimulating conversation.
You feel closer to the person who cares for you independent of differences and respects your voice.
The termsapiosexualrefers to someone who finds intelligence sexually attractive or arousing.
Experiential intimacy
Shared experiences lead to inside jokes and private memories that can intensify a connection.
This bond is the result of experiential intimacy.
“Our memories are closely linked to our senses,” relationship coachKingsley Moyotells mbg.
Moyo goes on to explain that recalling moments triggers involuntary sensory reactions.
If the moment was pleasurable, it prompts that same energy when relived.
Spiritual intimacy
Religious practice isn’t necessary for spiritual intimacy, though it can serve the purpose.
This closeness forms when you share poignant moments with your partner.
Spiritual intimacy allows for transcendent connectionbeyond logic and conscious thought.
It helps to be deliberate in improving this jot down of closeness.
Although, sometimes, these instances may just happen since they can occur outside your realm of influence.
Likewise, ask your partner thoughtful questions and be curious about the way they think and feel.
Listen to understand rather than waiting to respond.
Make a conscious effort to have these talks without growing defensive or angry.
Disagreement isn’t a requirement, however.
you’re able to also discuss ideas and abstract concepts that you’re exploring together.
This punch in of intimacy is about connecting through logic and philosophical expression.
Increasing experiential intimacy:
Embark on new adventures with your partner to increase experiential intimacy.
Plan activities that you haven’t yet done together.
Or schedule a standing date to meet at the same restaurant so that it becomesyourspot.
Each person in a couple can have separate lives.
You don’t have to collaborate oneverything, but it’s crucial to have shared experiences.
This way, your intimacy is interwoven with memories and acquired knowledge.
It exists in multiple spaces.
Then, regularly schedule time to engage in those and similar endeavors.
Let the moment do the work.
The first thing she does with clients in this situation is to explore what’s getting in the way.
Often, the client is holding on to a negative experience.
(Here’s more onhow to overcome being scared of love.)
