What is physical intimacy, and what role does it play in a relationship? You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to cover everything you need to know in this beginner’s guide.
From holding hands to hugging, cuddling, and of course, having sex, physical intimacy is often seen as the glue that holds a relationship together.
Unfortunately, though, so many couples struggle with a lack of physical intimacy preventing their relationship from blossoming and reaching its full potential. This can lead to a disconnect between partners, disdain, and even resentment.
Don’t worry - we’ll help you get the issue under control with proven strategies on how to increase physical intimacy in a relationship.
One of the best ways is to try something new and exciting with your partner, like Tabs sex chocolate. It can lower your mental barriers and prime your physical senses, setting the stage for a night of romance unlike you’ve ever experienced before. Learn more below!
What is Physical Intimacy?
So, what is physical intimacy? In essence, this is the way we connect with others through touch and closeness. People tend to associate it primarily with sex, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In reality, physical intimacy is shown in the everyday gestures you might not even think twice about - whether it’s a warm hug, holding hands during a walk, or cuddling on the couch, these simple acts of touch communicate love and support in ways that words often can’t.
These forms of touch all build trust, affection, and a deep sense of connection. In this sense, physical intimacy plays a powerful role in nurturing a relationship.
Let’s take a step back and zoom out a bit - there are multiple forms of intimacy, with physical being the one that gets talked about the most. Emotional intimacy is actually more important, as it sets the stage for physical intimacy.
Think about it like this - if you don’t feel connected to someone emotionally, how could you possibly feel comfortable letting them touch you, or touching them? Sharing your deepest thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a part of being emotionally intimate.
There's also intellectual intimacy and spiritual intimacy, but these are all conversations for another day. Let’s get back to physical intimacy and its different forms below.
Different Forms of Physical Intimacy
Like we touched on earlier, physical intimacy isn’t just about sex. In fact, that’s just one tiny piece of the puzzle. Each of the various forms of physical intimacy plays a part.
Affectionate Touch
This is the most common and perhaps the simplest form of physical intimacy. It includes everyday gestures like holding hands, hugging, kissing, or cuddling.
These small acts of affection help maintain a sense of closeness and security in a relationship, reminding your partner that you’re there for them and care deeply.
Sexual Intimacy
Sexual intimacy goes beyond just physical pleasure - it’s about creating a deep, emotional connection through shared sexual experiences.
Whether it’s exploring new ways to connect in the bedroom or just being present and attentive to your partner’s needs, sexual intimacy is the foundation of a healthy, satisfying relationship.
Playful Physical Intimacy
This form of intimacy involves engaging in fun, light-hearted physical activities together, like playfully wrestling, dancing, or tickling each other.
It adds an element of joy and spontaneity to the relationship, keeping the spark alive and reminding both partners of how much fun they have together.
Intimate Gestures
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most. Intimate gestures like brushing a stray hair from your partner’s face, giving them a gentle back rub after a long day, or wiping a tear away. These small, thoughtful acts show your partner that you’re in tune with their needs and emotions.
Comforting Touch
This form of physical intimacy provides comfort and reassurance. It can be as simple as holding your partner when they’re upset, offering a shoulder to cry on, or giving a comforting hug after a stressful day. It soothes and calms your partner, showing you’re there through thick and thin.
Why Physical Intimacy is So Important in a Relationship
You may be wondering, how important is physical intimacy in a relationship? We’d go as far as to say a relationship won’t last without it.
Have you ever heard someone say “Words alone aren’t enough to describe the way I feel,” or something to that effect? That’s because humans have used touch to communicate emotions since the dawn of time.
When you engage in physical intimacy, whether it’s a simple hug or a more passionate encounter, you’re doing more than just sharing a moment of closeness, though. You’re also releasing oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of attachment.
Regular intimate contact can lead to a more fulfilling sex life, which itself is essential in a relationship. It helps to keep the romantic spark alive, ensuring that both partners feel desired and valued.
Beyond the emotional and sexual benefits, physical intimacy also has positive effects on mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even boost your immune system.
In saying that, physical intimacy not only enriches your relationship but also contributes to your overall well-being. Humans need it whether they’re in a relationship or not!
Signs You May Not Be Getting Enough Physical Intimacy
If you’re here reading about physical intimacy we’re going to take a wild guess and assume you’re not feeling fulfilled in your relationship. Here are a few signs you might not be getting the level of physical intimacy necessary for your relationship to thrive:
- Feeling Emotionally Distant: One of the most telling signs of a lack of physical intimacy is feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner. It’s easy to start feeling isolated without regular touch and affection, even when you’re spending time together. This can create a sense of loneliness within the relationship.
- Decreased Sexual Desire: A noticeable decline in libido can also suggest you’re not receiving enough physical affection. When physical closeness diminishes, it tends to affect the overall sexual chemistry between partners.
- Increased Irritability and Stress: You may feel more irritable or stressed out than usual without the calming and stress-relieving benefits of physical touch. Physical intimacy releases tension and promotes relaxation, so its absence can take a toll on your mood and well-being.
- Feeling Insecure or Unloved: Lack of physical affection can lead to insecurity and doubt about your relationship. If you’re not receiving regular touch, it’s easy to start questioning whether you’re truly valued and loved.
- Avoiding Physical Contact: If you or your partner start avoiding even simple physical gestures like holding hands or hugging, it could be a sign that physical intimacy is lacking. This can create a nasty cycle where the absence of touch leads to more distance, further weakening the connection.
- Increased Conflicts: Physical intimacy can be a buffer against minor disagreements and conflicts. Without it, small issues can escalate into bigger arguments because the emotional connection that physical touch fosters is missing.
- Feeling Unsatisfied or Unhappy: Overall dissatisfaction with your relationship, even if you can’t pinpoint why, might be linked to a lack of physical intimacy. This missing connection can leave you feeling unfulfilled even if everything else seems fine.
Any one of these could point to intimacy issues in the relationship - but chances are, you’ll notice multiple signs simultaneously. This is yet another indicator of just how important physical intimacy is in the relationship - its absence can lead to a cascade of negative feelings.
So, what can you do to turn things around?
Ways to Improve Physical Intimacy in a Relationship
Recognizing the signs of poor physical intimacy in a relationship is the first step towards getting back on the same page with your partner. We have a variety of suggestions on how to rekindle the flame you once felt and start being more physically intimate.
Communicate Openly About Your Needs
First, you need to figure out how to talk to your partner about lack of intimacy. Communication is everything in a relationship, and if you aren’t willing to have the uncomfortable conversation about your needs, that person is probably not right for you anyway.
Talk openly with your partner about what you need and want when it comes to physical closeness. Be honest about any concerns or insecurities you may have, and encourage your partner to do the same.
Prioritize Quality Time Together
Many of the ways to improve physical intimacy actually have nothing to do with touch. Spending quality time together, free from distractions, is a great first step.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or simply cooking dinner together, these moments give you a chance to focus on each other and deepen your bond. Use this opportunity to engage in physical closeness, such as cuddling on the couch or holding hands while you walk in public.
Initiate Regular Physical Touch
Of course, you need to make a concerted effort to touch your partner more often. Make it the norm in your relationship - and eventually, it will come naturally without even thinking about it.
Small gestures like holding hands, hugging, or a gentle touch on the arm can go a long way in making both partners feel connected and valued. Before you know it, you’ll find it hard to keep your hands off each other!
Explore New Ways to Connect
Trying new activities together can reignite the spark in your relationship as well. Consider exploring new hobbies, taking a vacation, or even trying out a new form of physical intimacy like massage.
Experimenting with different ways to connect physically can bring excitement to a relationship that may have gone stale, reigniting the flame that you once felt.
Make Time for Physical Intimacy
It’s far too easy to let physical intimacy fall by the wayside amidst the hustle and bustle of life - which is why you need to make it a priority.
Whether it’s scheduling regular date nights, going out of your way to set the mood for intimacy, or simply putting your phones away and being physically present with each other, prioritizing this aspect of your relationship cannot be taken for granted.
Incorporate Playfulness and Fun
Physical intimacy doesn’t always have to be serious. Remember that one of the most important forms of intimacy is playfulness! Playful teasing, spontaneous kisses, or a surprise touch can add an element of fun and lightheartedness to your relationship.
Be Patient and Attentive
Improving physical intimacy isn’t going to happen overnight. Pay attention to your partner’s cues and respond to their needs with care. Take your time in building intimacy, and don’t rush the process.
Consider Physical Intimacy Enhancers
The best way to overcome fear of physical intimacy or spark it in a relationship that may have gotten bland is to leverage the help of physical intimacy enhancers - like trying Tabs chocolate.
Tabs is the best aphrodisiac chocolate for bringing couples closer to one another. The sex chocolate ingredients include cocoa, maca root, horny goat weed, and kanna - all of which work together to lower inhibitions and prime your physical senses for intimacy.
Translation: you and your partner will be ravenous for one other once the ingredients start kicking in. But does Tabs Chocolate work? And how long do aphrodisiac chocolates take to work?
You’ll start to feel the effects within 30 minutes or so, and Tabs Chocolate lasts a few hours so you can your partner will have plenty of time to be physically intimate with each other. There are no Tabs chocolate side effects to be concerned about, either!
But with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you don’t have to take our word for it when we tell you that Tabs works. Try it yourself and join 200,000 satisfied customers and counting today!
Bringing Our Physical Intimacy Beginner’s Guide to a Close
So, what is physical intimacy? We hope this beginner’s guide has left you with a clear understanding of this aspect of intimacy and the role it plays in your relationship.
It enhances emotional connection, supports mental and physical health, and brings partners closer together. This is why you must make an effort to prioritize physical touch.
We’ve shared strategies so you can get started improving your relationship, but remember, professional help is always available if all else fails and you’re desperate to salvage the connection you once felt with your partner.
Our blog has more resources on what kind of chocolate is an aphrodisiac, how to make aphrodisiac chocolate, when to eat dark chocolate for sex, and the dark chocolate sex benefits.
If you want to jumpstart your relationship and experience physical intimacy to the fullest, consider trying Tabs sex chocolate. It’s packed with natural aphrodisiacs that will make your intimate moments even more intimate. Reignite the spark in your relationship today!