Nurturing Emotional Intimacy in Marriage

Keeping a relationship strong over time takes work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In the beginning, staying connected with your partner usually feels effortless—you’re learning about each other, spending lots of time together, and feeling truly seen and accepted.

As time goes on, staying connected can get tougher as everyday distractions and responsibilities start piling up. Adding kids into the mix can make it feel nearly impossible! But, maintaining a close connection doesn't have to be hard. It just takes some time and intention.

Building Emotional Intimacy

Small, Frequent Connection

The impact of building small connection habits, like daily rituals that bring partners closer, is incredible. A great example is having a parting and reunion ritual—taking a few moments to intentionally say goodbye before heading out and greeting each other when you return. This ritual should go beyond just a quick, routine exchange.

When saying goodbye, take a few minutes to talk about your day ahead—what’s on your mind, any concerns, or things you’re looking forward to. Then, when you reunite, spend a little time catching up and sharing how your day went.

And don’t forget the kiss—at least six seconds long! This small act helps release oxytocin, the bonding hormone, strengthening your connection. The real power of this ritual is in how it keeps your relationship a priority, encourages open communication, and helps you stay involved in each other’s lives.

A Daily Dose of Affection

Make it a point to share at least five minutes of affection every day—it’s a simple but powerful way to stay connected. This can be anything from kissing and holding hands to cuddling, hugging, or little love touches throughout the day.

Showing affection not only deepens emotional connection but also builds trust and security in your relationship. And the best part? Physical touch, like holding hands, can actually lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and boost oxytocin—the love hormone that strengthens your bond.

Appreciate and Admire

To keep love alive in a relationship, it’s important to regularly express appreciation and admiration for your partner. We often notice things we love or appreciate about our partner, but we don’t always say them out loud.

Make it a habit to share those thoughts! Letting your partner know what you admire about them creates a warm, positive atmosphere in your relationship—one that can help soften the tough moments and make disagreements easier to navigate.

Your Relationship Prescription

Emotional intimacy is the cornerstone of a strong, lasting marriage, and it’s something that requires ongoing effort and intentionality. Start today by creating rituals, increasing affection, and expressing appreciation.

Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—make the effort now to connect on a deeper level. By prioritizing emotional intimacy, you’ll foster a stronger bond and ensure that your relationship continues to grow and thrive.