We all crave a deeper level of physical intimacy in our relationships. But sometimes, without realizing it, our own habits might be standing in the way.

Let’s get this straight, it’s not about scheming or manipulation. It’s about creating a safe and loving space where physical intimacy can blossom.

It’s about understanding that certain behaviors can create barriers and acknowledging that it’s time to let them go.

In this article, I will be highlighting eight such behaviors that could be hampering your quest for more physical intimacy. So buckle up, it’s time for some honest reflection!

1) Criticism

Creating a deeper level of physical intimacy in a relationship often starts with understanding our own actions.

One behavior that can create a barrier to intimacy is criticism.

We all have our shortcomings and areas we can improve, but constant, harsh criticism can create distance rather than closeness. It can make your partner feel unaccepted or unloved, and who wants to be physically intimate with someone who makes them feel that way?

Remember, it’s not about pretending problems don’t exist or ignoring things that bother you. It’s about how you communicate these issues.

Constructive feedback is key – it’s not about pointing out faults, but suggesting improvements in a loving and respectful manner.

So if you’re looking to enhance physical intimacy, it might be time to let go of the tendency to criticize and instead embrace a more supportive approach. That way, you’re not just fostering a more loving environment, but also creating a safe space for intimacy to grow.

2) Taking for granted

Here’s a personal one from my own relationship journey.

I realized that I had developed a habit of taking my partner’s gestures and efforts for granted. Whether it was preparing a meal or picking up groceries, I stopped acknowledging these small acts of love.

One day, my partner shared how they felt overlooked and unappreciated. It hit me hard. I understood then that my lack of appreciation was creating an emotional distance between us, which in turn was affecting our physical intimacy.

It’s easy to get caught up in life and forget to appreciate the little things your partner does for you. But these seemingly insignificant actions are the building blocks of love and intimacy.

So, I decided to change my behavior. I started expressing gratitude for every effort, no matter how small. And you know what? It worked. Our emotional connection strengthened and our physical intimacy naturally followed.

Remember, never take your partner for granted. Appreciate them and their efforts, and watch your physical intimacy grow.

3) Too much screen time

In our hyper-connected world, it’s all too easy to let technology invade our personal spaces. And no, I’m not just talking about work emails intruding on dinner time.

Screen time, whether it’s spent on social media, gaming, or just mindless web surfing, can become a barrier to physical intimacy in a relationship.

A study found that couples who kept a smartphone or tablet in their bedroom had 50% more chance of reporting a conflict in their relationship than those who didn’t.

So if you’re looking to improve physical intimacy with your partner, consider carving out some tech-free time. Unplug from the virtual world and reconnect with your partner in the real one. This simple shift could do wonders for your relationship.

4) Lack of communication

Communication is the key to any relationship. It’s the bridge between two people that allows them to understand each other’s needs, desires, and feelings.

However, when we fail to communicate effectively, it creates a gap. This gap can grow over time, leading to misunderstandings and even resentment. And these negative feelings can seriously hamper physical intimacy in a relationship.

If you’re struggling with physical intimacy, it might be time to evaluate your communication habits. Are you expressing your needs openly? Are you listening attentively when your partner shares theirs?

By opening up a clear line of communication and expressing your desires openly, you can create a stronger emotional bond. And remember, a strong emotional connection often paves the way for increased physical intimacy.

5) Neglecting emotional intimacy

This one is close to my heart.

Physical intimacy and emotional intimacy are two sides of the same coin. You can’t neglect one and expect the other to flourish.

Emotional intimacy is about being there for your partner in every sense. It’s about sharing your hopes, dreams, fears, and vulnerabilities with each other. It’s about creating a safe space where both of you can be your authentic selves.

Neglecting emotional intimacy can lead to a feeling of disconnection. And when you feel disconnected emotionally, it’s hard to connect physically.

So, if you’re looking to enhance physical intimacy in your relationship, start by nurturing emotional intimacy. Share more, care more, listen more, and love more. As you deepen your emotional bond, you’ll find that physical intimacy follows naturally.

6) Holding onto past grudges

We all have histories, past hurts, and grudges that we carry around. I had this one argument with my partner that I just couldn’t let go of. It kept creeping into our conversations, creating a wall between us.

Holding onto past grudges can be toxic to a relationship. It creates an environment of resentment and mistrust which can affect physical intimacy.

Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or condoning the wrong done. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and opening up to the possibility of a fresh start.

Once I decided to let go and forgive, it felt like a weight was lifted off. Our relationship felt lighter and more open, and our physical intimacy improved as well.

If you’re holding onto past grudges, consider letting them go for the sake of your relationship. It could be the key to unlocking the physical intimacy you desire.

7) Always being in control

In a relationship, it’s essential to find a balance. It’s not healthy if one person is always in control of everything, from deciding what’s for dinner to determining the pace of the relationship.

Being overly controlling can lead to a power imbalance, making your partner feel less valued or respected. This can create a barrier to both emotional and physical intimacy.

Remember, a relationship is a partnership. It’s about making decisions together and respecting each other’s needs and boundaries.

If you tend to be controlling, try loosening the reins a little. Allow your partner to take the lead sometimes. This can help create a sense of balance and mutual respect in your relationship, which can pave the way for deeper physical intimacy.

8) Neglecting self-care

When it comes to physical intimacy, one key aspect often overlooked is self-care.

Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is essential. A healthy body and mind not only boost your self-confidence but can also make you more desirable to your partner.

Self-neglect can lead to low self-esteem, which can affect your ability to connect intimately with your partner. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

So, take time for yourself. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that make you happy. When you feel good about yourself, it reflects in your relationship and can enhance the level of physical intimacy with your partner.