Can a relationship survive without intimacy?
We tend to think relationships are heavily based on the physical aspect, but can a relationship survive without intimacy? Well, the short answer is yes. But…yes…there’s a but. It depends on the needs of the two people involved.
If neither partner wants physical intimacy, then their relationship can work without intimacy. Some people have low sex drives, medical conditions, or are biromantic, which means they seek romantic relationships, but not sexual ones.
However, the problem arises when one partner’s needs don’t align with the relationship. For example, if one partner needs physical intimacy but the other doesn’t, then the lack of sex can result in a lack of connection and possibly end with infidelity.
If your relationship lacks physical intimacy, it’s time to restore your relationship’s intimacy and connection. It’s easy to get used to the “norms” we create for ourselves, but this isn’t something you can sweep under the rug. Your needs are important. Your partner’s needs are important. So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your physical intimacy, here’s how.
How to increase physical intimacy in a relationship
No, you don’t need to throw the towel in just yet. If you want to increase the physical intimacy in your relationship, you can do a couple of things.
Discover your needs
What’s going on inside of you? Sit down with yourself and think about your relationship. How has your relationship changed over time? When did you stop being intimate? Are your sexual needs being fulfilled? Has the energy changed in your relationship? What role does your partner play? It’s time to take a look at what’s missing in your sex life because something is missing.
Communicate what you want
Now that you’ve done some self-reflection and looked at your needs and desires, it’s time to communicate them to your partner. More importantly, it’s also time to see how they’ve been feeling. The odds are your verbal communication is lacking when it comes to intimacy. Make the conscious effort to express how you’ve been feeling. Yes, it’s scary, but it’ll open up the topic and create a deeper connection between you two.
Go back to dating each other
If there’s a lack of physical intimacy in your relationship, the chances are you two have become very comfortable with one another. Now, that’s not a bad thing, but you’ve become a little too comfortable. What did you and your partner do together before you got married? Did you surprise them with small gifts? Go on spontaneous road trips? Have date nights?
It’s time to go back to dating each other. Bring back the passion and spontaneity in your relationship, and you’ll bring back the physical intimacy.
Get vulnerable
If you want to work on this issue, you’re going to need to open up and be honest. It’s not easy to do, especially when it’s open intimacy. But, being vulnerable is the only way you’re going to work through this issue and bring back the physical intimacy. If you’re not willing to be honest with your partner, express your needs, and listen to their feelings, this will not work for you.
Remember your relationship will fluctuate
While you and your partner work towards adding more physical intimacy into the relationship, remember that your relationship is fluid. There will be moments where you two will have amazing intimacy together and other moments where there will be a disconnect.
We live hectic and stressful lives, which can affect our sex lives. The secret is to keep an eye on your relationship, how you’ve both feeling, and make changes along the way.
Can a relationship survive without sex? Sure. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if it’s what you both want. The problem comes with it’s not what you want, but it’s happening. Use these tips to help you bring back the physical intimacy in your relationship.
