When it comes to intimacy in relationships, there are two types: emotional intimacy and physical intimacy. Emotional intimacy is essentially communication, from superficial to deep and meaningful. Physical intimacy consists of physical contact, from touch to the most intimate connections two human bodies can have, i.e. bedroom activity between a couple.
The level and frequency of intimacy we have with someone correlates with the depth of desire to connect with them.
Imagine a marriage or other relationship with no communication and no physical touch, ever. How close would you feel? When couples have completely drifted apart, you can guarantee that they have not been frequently intimate, physically or emotionally. Bearing in mind that what we do on a daily basis has a cumulative effect, we need to remember that intimacy needs to be frequent for relationships to prosper, and it also needs to be consistent in its message.
Consistency of message, emotional or physical, creates stability within the relationship. That stability let’s people know where they stand with you, lets them know how much you truly care about them and even conveys a great deal about your inner thoughts and feelings.
Emotional Intimacy in Relationships
Discussing pop culture or the latest beauty treatment or the cars on Top Gear last night will help you to create rapport.
Letting people know your likes and dislikes, helps them to connect to who you are deep down.
Let people know your beliefs, and you are daring to say, “This is who I am. I want to share that with you. If you can agree with or at least accept this about me, then we can build a meaningful relationship.”
At the end of the day, you need to let people connect with you on a genuine level by letting them know how and who you are deep down.
Physical Intimacy in Relationships
Whether a gentle placing of the hand on the back or arm, a peck on the cheek or lips, the holding of hands, cuddling one another or much more physical intimacy, each connection between two human bodies actually helps alleviate stress and helps longevity. (There is building research that supports this which I will discuss in another article.)
Now imagine how a physical connection helps people to know that you care for them. After all, you felt warm enough towards them to touch them physically. The more frequently you touch, the more affection it shows, does it not?
Next, imagine what happens when you touch someone frequently. You provide stress release to them frequently which allows them to associate that feeling of relaxation to their physical connection with you, subconsciously and neurologically.
Regular physical intimacy helps people to feel reassured, looked after, relaxed, and cared for. So if you don’t do this on a regular basis, what do you imagine that does to your marriage or other relationship?
Physical and emotional intimacy is integral to the foundation of successful relationships.
Obviously don’t go touching everyone up now and tweeting that @samowencoaching told you to! Ha-aaa. Do be aware of how your daily intimacy habits with those in your personal and work life, are impacting your relationships, sales figures, and overall well-being.
Hello, I read your blogs oon a regular basis. Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!
Thank you!