A romantic relationship is built and sustained by emotional
connections. Discover how to create emotional intimacy with your partner.
What Is Emotional Intimacy?
Emotional intimacy refers to the vulnerability and trust
that significant others develop in order to maintain a healthy relationship.
This type of intimacy demonstrates emotional support among romantic partners.
Building emotional bonds in intimate relationships can increase relationship
satisfaction and make each person feel appreciated, heard, and loved. Partners
who lack emotional intimacy may feel distant and unloved.
Building intimacy can be difficult for partners and married
couples because emotional availability requires them to step outside of their
comfort zones. Nonetheless, through small steps and relationship coaching,
people can more easily tap into their emotions, improving the overall
well-being and mental health of their relationship.
Why Is Emotional Intimacy Important?
In relationships, there are four types of intimacy: physical
intimacy, sexual intimacy, intellectual intimacy, and emotional intimacy.
Emotional intimacy, which is especially important in long-term relationships,
can help improve other types of intimacy. A strong emotional bond, for example,
can help to support a healthy sexual life. Emotional intimacy enables partners
to communicate effectively and share their inner selves, fostering security.
Partners need to know that their significant other will celebrate their
accomplishments and support them during difficult times.
4 Examples of Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
Consider the following characteristics of an emotionally intimate partner, as
well as examples of emotional intimacy:
1. Thankful: Expressing gratitude is a small act that can
quickly communicate how much your partner means to you and how much you
appreciate their assistance and support.
2. Vulnerable: Vulnerability is an important aspect of
emotional intimacy. Openly expressing your feelings invites your partner to do
the same and demonstrates that no subject is off-limits.
3. Supportive: Be aware of your partner's needs in order to
foster emotional intimacy. If your partner is under stress, be present and
available to step in and help.
4. Thoughtful: Sometimes it's the small gestures that show
emotional intelligence: buying your partner flowers or gifts, taking them out
for a date night, or writing them a card on a special day or anniversary.
Proactive displays of affection are an excellent way to express your love for
your partner.
How to Build Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy contributes to the long-term success of a
relationship. Consider the following strategies for increasing emotional
vulnerability in a relationship:
1. Inquire about your partner's feelings. A successful
relationship requires you to share your emotions. Ask your partner how they
feel, and be aware that they may respond to you. Be mindful of what you share
and express. Practicing vulnerability with each other can aid in the
development of trust in a relationship.
2. Alter your routine. Changing your relationship's daily
habits and patterns can reveal new paths outside of your comfort zone that may
invite greater vulnerability.
3. Affirmations should be freely given. You sometimes get what
you give. If you are quick to offer words of affirmation, your partner may
return compliments and strengthen your emotional bond.
4. Maintain a journal. Writing down your feelings may be easier
than expressing them out loud. Keep a journal to help you connect with your
emotions and better understand how to express them to others.
5. Consult a relationship counselor. Therapists or relationship
coaches can assist couples in better understanding how they communicate and
demonstrate emotional intimacy to one another.
