Intimacy is a normal, healthy part of many close relationships. However, navigating intimacy requires open communication, mutual understanding, and respect between partners. Rather than focus on specific goals or techniques, the most important principles are:
Mutual Care and Concern
- Partners should make each other feel valued, respected, and comfortable.
- Checking in regularly and listening without judgement is key.
- Understand each other‘s needs, desires, boundaries, and pace of intimacy.
Shared Values and Trust
- Ensure alignment on core values of consent, care, honesty, and respect.
- Build trust by keeping sensitive conversations confidential.
- Believe your partner when they communicate their experiences or boundaries.
Comfort and Consent
- Move forward intimately at a pace both partners enthusiastically consent to.
- Recognize consent as an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. Be willing to stop at any point if someone feels uncomfortable.
- Prioritize emotional safety by not pressuring your partner regarding intimacy.
Open Communication
- Have ongoing open conversations around physical and emotional needs in the relationship.
- Discuss desires, interests, and boundaries openly without judgement.
- Check-in before, during and after intimacy to ensure mutual comfort.
By focusing on mutual understanding and shared communicator, partners can build strong intimate bonds at their own pace. There are many available resources for improving relationships. But the specifics depend on the unique situation.
The most important expert tip is to regularly check in with your partner, go at the speed that feels right for both of you, and have compassion for each other along the journey. The details will vary, so focus on the emotional connection and ability to openly communicate desires.