Emotional intimacy transcends sex; it is a deep connection with your partner that allows you to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.
At times, unbeknownst to them, couples might notice that their marriage is drifting apart or lacks an emotional connection. They can be in the same house but leading two separate lives, or even though they might have some emotional intimacy, it can be gradually wearing off due to daily stressors or anxiety.
If you feel that your marriage lacks emotional intimacy, what can you do to rekindle that stale relationship? Consider a few strategies that you could use to create emotional intimacy in your marriage.
Share your True Feelings
Sharing your true feelings can require effort on your part, particularly for men who tend to bottle up their emotions. For starters, try your best to stop putting on a brave face and be open about your vulnerabilities, especially when you are experiencing a problem. The more open and transparent you are with your partner, the more intimate your relationship will become.
Be a Good Listener
In our day and age, it might be difficult to give 100 per cent of our time and attention; gadgets, phones, and social media can easily distract us. Make it a habit to practice “active listening.” This means you have to look your partner in the eye, give them your full attention, and really take in what they are saying. When you do that, you will experience a deeper connection with each other.
Show Appreciation
Don’t take your marriage mate for granted. Even though it might seem trivial, it means a lot to them when you express appreciation. For example, your husband might be extremely generous, but do you take time to acknowledge his generosity from time to time? Your wife might be a wonderful cook and mother; can you acknowledge that by telling her how much you appreciate her efforts at home and in the family?
Respect your Partner’s Opinions
When a disagreement arises, your partner might want to express their opinion or feelings. Instead of arguing with them to change their mind or rolling your eyes when you disagree, listen to them empathetically. Even though such actions might seem trivial, they can hurt your partner’s feelings and cause them to build a defensive wall and withdraw from you.
Check in with your Partner
Make it a daily habit to ask your marriage mate how they are doing. For example, you can start with questions like: How was your day? How are you feeling about this? When you do that, you show them that you care about them and that you have been following important events in their life. It also gives them reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles.
Stay Affectionate
If you have really grown apart, it might seem difficult to emotionally connect with your partner. Nevertheless, you can begin by taking small steps, such as giving your marriage mate a hug before you leave home or holding hands on a long drive together. If you feel hesitant to do such things, ask yourself: Why am I feeling uncomfortable showing affection to my partner? By being more affectionate, you show your partner that you care about them, and this, in turn, might encourage them to do the same.
Create New Traditions
Taking time for each other in this stressful world is imperative. To that end, you can schedule romantic dinners together, choose to have a brunch date together, or plan a small weekend getaway. Doing these rituals reaffirms your love for each other and most importantly, prevents you from getting stuck in a rut and taking each other for granted.
At times, with your best interests at heart, you might have considered all these strategies and yet failed to achieve intimacy in your marriage. However, all is not lost. Many couples have found marriage counselling and therapy very useful in saving their marriage. Why don’t you consider it as an option when all else fails?
David Messiha | Staff Writer
