Feeling as if there is no physical intimacy in a relationship sucks - you start to feel like you have a roommate or friend rather than a romantic partner.
This can be the result of poor emotional intimacy, or maybe it’s distrust caused by infidelity or past trauma. Or, maybe it’s self-esteem issues, busy schedules, or something else entirely.
Regardless, you need to understand the effects of lack of physical intimacy in a relationship so that you can recognize just how important it is. From there, you can take steps to repair the relationship and grow a stronger bond than ever before.
We’ll cover all this and more below, including tips on how to increase physical intimacy in a relationship - like trying Tabs chocolate. Our sex chocolate can work wonders to jumpstart your sex drive and break down the barriers that are holding you back from being physically intimate.
What is Physical Intimacy?
As the name suggests, physical intimacy is the expression of affection, closeness, and love between partners through physical touch and interaction. It’s so much more than sex.
It encompasses all forms of physical connection that reinforce a bond between two people, many of which we’ll get into below.
Across all these different forms, though, the goal is the same: build trust, deepen emotional connections, and reinforce the feelings of love and security with your partner.
Forms of Physical Intimacy
As we just said, there are many different ways you can be physically intimate with your significant other, including but not limited to:
- Affectionate Touch: Simple acts like holding hands, hugging, or caressing are profound ways to show love and affection. These seemingly small gestures have a big impact on your sense of security and belonging in the relationship.
- Kissing: Whether a quick peck or a deep, passionate kiss, this form of physical intimacy communicates love, desire, and connection in a more powerful way.
- Cuddling: Spending time close to each other, such as cuddling on the couch or in bed, reinforces emotional bonds.
- Non-Sexual Physical Closeness: Activities like dancing, exercising together, or simply sitting close to each other can also strengthen physical intimacy. These non-sexual forms of physical closeness still promote bonding and a sense of unity.
- Sexual Intimacy: This is the one everyone focuses on and is seen as the pinnacle of physical intimacy. It’s an essential component of romantic relationships, providing both physical pleasure and emotional closeness.
Comparison With Emotional Intimacy
We know you came here likely because you’re dealing with no physical intimacy in a relationship. But you should know that this is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to intimacy. Emotional intimacy is equally - if not more - important.
This involves connecting on a deeper, more personal level through shared feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It’s about feeling safe to express your true self with your partner, knowing that you’ll be accepted and understood.
There’s an important synergy between physical and emotional intimacy. It’s rare to have one without the other - meaning many of the causes of a lack of physical intimacy in a relationship can be traced back to inadequate emotional connection.
That being said, let’s talk about all the common culprits for no physical intimacy in a relationship.
What Causes a Lack of Physical Intimacy in a Relationship?
By the time you realize you have a lack of physical intimacy in a relationship it’s hard to untangle the mess and figure out how you got here. It could have been a combination of things, including:
Stress and Busy Schedules
The stress and chaos of life often bleed into your relationships and take a toll. Work, family responsibilities, and social commitments can leave little time or energy for physical intimacy.
When you’re stressed out and staring down a busy schedule, you might find yourself too tired or distracted to be open enough to connect physically with your partner.
Emotional Disconnect
We mentioned earlier that physical intimacy and emotional connection are deeply intertwined. That means if you’re experiencing an emotional disconnect, no physical intimacy in a relationship is actually a normal outcome.
This could be due to unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or growing apart. Emotional distance can create barriers that make physical intimacy feel forced or uncomfortable, further widening the gap between partners.
Health Issues
There could be a more serious underlying issue with your health - or that of your partner - that is preventing you from being physically intimate with each other.
Chronic pain, fatigue, and conditions like depression or anxiety can reduce libido and make physical touch less appealing. Sometimes, side effects from certain medications or hormonal imbalances can also have a negative impact on sexual desire and intimacy.
Relationship Conflicts
One of the worst things you can do in your relationship is let unresolved issues fester. Ongoing conflicts can create a tense environment where physical intimacy feels impossible. When couples are at odds, the last thing they may want is to be physically close to each other.
Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues
Feeling insecure about your body or struggling with low self-esteem can make it hard to be physically intimate, especially in a new relationship.
When someone is uncomfortable with their appearance or feels inadequate, they may avoid physical touch or intimacy out of fear of rejection or judgment. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of fear of physical intimacy.
Unfortunately, though, these insecurities can drive a wedge between you and your partner, and take a toll on them as well - even if they aren’t the reason for the issue.
What are the Negative Effects of Lack of Physical Intimacy in a Relationship?
You might be wondering, how important is physical intimacy in a relationship? It’s essential. To understand just how significant it is, let’s look at some of the negative effects of lack of physical intimacy in a relationship.
Feeling Distant From Your Partner
Physical touch, whether it’s a simple hug, holding hands, or more intimate gestures, is one of the most primal ways for us to show someone how we feel.
Without it, it’s natural to start feeling emotionally and physically detached from your partner - leading to a sense of loneliness in a relationship.
Decreased Relationship Satisfaction
Couples may find themselves feeling less fulfilled and more dissatisfied with their relationship when physical intimacy is lacking.
This can spill over into other areas of the relationship, causing partners to question the strength and viability of their bond. Eventually, this can lead to questioning whether you even want to be in a relationship with the other person.
Increased Conflict and Misunderstanding
Without the comfort and reassurance that physical touch provides, partners may become more irritable and less patient with each other.
This can result in more frequent arguments and misunderstandings, as the emotional connection that helps smooth over conflicts weakens. The lack of intimacy can make it harder to resolve issues, creating a cycle of conflict that further strains the relationship.
Infidelity Risks
Humans don’t just crave physical intimacy, they need it. If it’s not present in a relationship, it’s all but inevitable for both parties to seek it elsewhere.
The absence of physical closeness can lead to feelings of neglect or rejection, which can push a partner towards infidelity as a way to meet their unmet needs. This isn’t always going to be the outcome, but the risk is certainly heightened.
Mental Health Impact
Both partners may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression as they struggle with the emotional distance between them.
The lack of physical touch, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness, can lead to heightened stress levels and a sense of overall dissatisfaction with life.
This emotional strain can make it even harder to reconnect and resolve intimacy issues, creating a downward spiral that affects both partners' well-being. That’s why you need to act fast to try and resolve the issue once you recognize it!
What Should You Do About No Physical Intimacy in Relationship?
When physical intimacy begins to fade in a relationship, there are so many ways you can rekindle it. After all, you’ve been physically intimate before - you can do it again! The sooner you take these steps below, the easier it will be.
Initiate a Heartfelt Conversation
We have an entire guide on how to talk to your partner about lack of intimacy because we recognize just how difficult this conversation can be. But, it’s an essential first step in addressing the lack of physical intimacy in a relationship.
Approach the topic with sensitivity, expressing your feelings without placing blame. Use “I” statements to convey your emotions and concerns, making it clear that your goal is to strengthen the relationship - not point the finger at the other party.
The goal of this conversation is to lay the groundwork for rebuilding your connection. You don’t need to come away from it feeling as if the issue is resolved, but you should feel like you and your partner are on the same page about restoring intimacy.
Rebuild Emotional Intimacy
You know now that physical intimacy often thrives on a foundation of emotional closeness. That’s why you shouldn’t rush into trying to have more sex.
Instead, you should spend time reconnecting on an emotional level by sharing your thoughts, dreams, and concerns with each other. Engage in deep conversations, show empathy, and actively listen to your partner.
Again, you’re laying the foundation here to be more physically intimate over the course of time. It’s not going to happen overnight, you need to be patient.
Prioritize Time Together
We touched on the toll life can take on physical intimacy earlier. You need to make an effort to spend more time - uninterrupted, undistracted - with your partner.
Don’t wait for schedules to line up to schedule a date night, make it happen! You could even consider a weekend getaway, or simply block off a part of your evening to be present with your partner without phones or TV distracting you.
Explore Physical Connection Gradually
These moments we just touched on above serve as good opportunities to start rekindling physical intimacy. You can hold hands on your way to dinner, play footsie under the table, or even just put a hand on your partner’s knee while you ride together in the car.
When at home spend quality time together, sit close on the couch, or even consider cuddling up with your partner. Small, non-sexual touches like these will make it far easier to move towards more intimate forms of physical connection when the time is right.
Talk About Sex
You need to make sex more natural in your relationship - so destigmatize it and have a conversation with your partner! Ask them what they like, and be clear about what you like. Don’t play the guessing game in the bedroom.
It all goes back to having a dialogue with your partner and lowering your guard, letting them in emotionally. This will make for far more fulfilling, enjoyable sex.
Consider Physical Enhancements
Sometimes, incorporating new elements into your relationship can help reignite physical intimacy. Trying something different, like a romantic getaway, a new shared activity, or even exploring products designed to enhance intimacy, can make a significant difference.
For example, sex chocolates like Tabs can help set the mood and add excitement to your intimate moments. Wait - what is sex chocolate, and how does Tabs Chocolate work?
We’ve developed the best aphrodisiac chocolate here at Tabs by combining sex chocolate ingredients such as maca, horny goat weed and kanna with dark chocolate. These all work in synergy to prime your body and mind for physical intimacy.
Just break a square in half (the other half is for your partner), bite, and bang - the rest will take care of itself. We’ve earned the trust of more than 200,000 happy customers and counting, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose. Try it yourself today.
Seek Professional Help
If the intimacy issues you’re dealing with are causing serious distress or seem impossible to overcome on your own, seeking professional help is a wise choice. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, as this issue is far more widespread than you could ever imagine.
A couples therapist can provide guidance, offer strategies, and help you navigate any underlying issues contributing to the intimacy gap. But, if you follow our advice above, we’re confident you’ll be well on your way to overcoming the effects of no physical intimacy in a relationship!
Final Thoughts on the Effects of No Physical Intimacy in Relationship
You can see the toll a lack of intimacy takes on a relationship - from emotional distance to increased conflict and even infidelity. Fortunately, you can take actionable steps right now to get back on the same page with your partner. The sooner you act, the easier it will be.
Learn more about the Tabs chocolate side effects, how long does Tabs Chocolate last, how to make sex chocolate, why is chocolate an aphrodisiac, what kind of chocolate is an aphrodisiac, how long do aphrodisiac chocolates take to work, and more in our blog.
Otherwise, it’s time to rekindle the passion in your relationship with Tabs, and put the effects of lack of physical intimacy in a relationship behind you once and for all. Don’t let intimacy fade away - turn it up a notch with the help of Tabs today!