All kinds of relationships are about being intimate with each other, and I say that understanding that there are many different kinds of intimacy. However, what have you heard about emotional intimacy?
There is no doubt that relationships involve emotions and how each person feels in the relationship is important, now what does it mean when you have intimacy on an emotional level? According to Choosing Therapy, emotional intimacy involves deep understanding of your partner or friends, allowing them to see your true self. “It involves allowing another person to see you for who you truly are. To build this connection, you have to let your guard down and trust another person with your private feelings, which is not an easy thing to do.”
The Centre for Emotional Education believes that emotional intimacy is a crucial aspect of building relationships, especially if you grew up feeling inadequate or worthless. It is said to require self-belief that you are worthwhile and will not be rejected or abandoned if you reveal your inner self.
The publication emphasises that “Developing an intimate knowledge and appreciation of self is the starting point for many people in learning how to be intimate with another.”
Signs that show you are emotionally intimate with someone according to Very Well Mind include: Feeling safe, supported, and heard without judgment, as it is important to have someone to share ups and downs with, care deeply about each other, and easily transition from light to deeper conversations.
The publication further explains that empathy, genuine interest, and being present are essential for emotional intimacy and that when your partner or friend is suffering, your heart opens up and you feel deep compassion.
Psych Central suggest the following ways to enhance emotional intimacy with your loved ones:
Share stories: Express vulnerability through lighter-hearted stories from past experiences and practice being flawed, messy people together by trying new activities, claims the publication above.
Laugh together: It is further mentioned that you need to share genuine laughter with your partner to improve the relationship’s overall well-being and engage in conversations, games, and inside jokes.
Learn something new about each other: Psych Central adds that you spend time alone together to learn something new about your partner, ask questions that help you understand them more deeply and show affection, both physically and through acts of thoughtfulness.
Communicate openly: “Open communication allows you and your partner to build trust and empathy. When communicating openly and honestly, there are no hidden meanings or guesswork. You learn that your partner is saying what they mean, and you can trust it to represent their true feelings.”
Also see: How to determine the strength of your relationship
