Want to improve intimacy in a relationship? Follow these 5 expert-approved tips

Intimacy in a relationship is not just about physical closeness—it is about feeling alive, content, and, at the same time, vulnerable. It is that deep emotional connection that makes you feel truly seen and heard. But building intimacy does not happen overnight, it takes time, trust, and gradual closeness. As two people grow together, they share a sense of belonging that goes beyond just the surface. Intimacy is emotional, psychological, and physical. In a recent Instagram reel by HealthShots, Dr Arouba Kabir shared valuable tips to improve intimacy in relationships. She emphasizes how intimacy plays a crucial role in strengthening the bond between partners. If you are looking to deepen your connection, these tips can help you toward a more fulfilling and close relationship.

What is intimacy important in a relationship?

Intimacy is the heart of any strong relationship. It goes beyond physical closeness and taps into emotional, mental, and even spiritual connection, as per the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. When you are intimate with your partner, you create a safe space where both of you can be vulnerable, open, and authentic. This deep bond fosters trust, understanding, and mutual respect, helping you both feel valued and supported.

Intimacy also strengthens communication, making it easier to talk about desires, boundaries, and even tough topics and decisions in life. It is not just about sharing moments together but truly connecting on a deeper level, which leads to a more fulfilling, lasting relationship. Ultimately, intimacy helps you grow together, face challenges together, and enjoy each other’s company in a meaningful way. So, let go and find out tips to improve intimacy for a stronger bond.

Tips to improve intimacy

Here are 5 tips to improve intimacy in a relationship to build a strong connection:

1. Express yourself

One of the most important tips to improve intimacy is communication. “Express yourself. Your desires and needs—let your partner know. That will help you foster a deeper connection,” says mental health counselor and therapist Dr Arouba Kabir. It is natural to feel hesitant about sharing your intimate desires or dislikes, but open communication fosters trust and understanding. When both partners feel safe to express their feelings and preferences, it creates a safe space for vulnerability. This can bring joy to the relationship and can make your intimate moments better, building connection and mutual satisfaction.

2. Embrace a positive body image

How you feel about yourself plays a major role in how you act in intimate moments. Another most important tips to improve intimacy is self-love. Kabir emphasises the importance of self-love in intimacy—”You like yourself, and you give yourself 100 percent. No judgment, nothing, just giving 100 percent because you like yourself and you love the intimacy.” This mindset is crucial because intimacy is not just about connecting with someone else, it is about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. When you embrace your body with love and positivity, you create an environment where you can be fully present, without distractions or self-doubt. This allows you to enjoy the experience fully and communicate with your partner more openly.

Check out the Instagram post:

3. Release past traumas and accept yourself

Intimacy requires vulnerability as well, and sometimes discussing past traumas or experiences can be difficult. Kabir advises, “Release past traumas and accept yourself. Any shame related to sexuality will deepen the bond. Vulnerability makes it beautiful. Work on it.” Many people carry past experiences that might hinder their ability to be truly open in intimate moments. These unresolved feelings, whether related to past relationships, shame, or negative sexual experiences, can create barriers to deep connection. Releasing these past emotional wounds and accepting yourself as you are today is crucial to building trust with your partner and is one of the most important tips to improve intimacy.

4. Set clear and healthy boundaries

Boundaries are an essential aspect of any relationship, especially when it comes to intimacy. As Kabir points out, “Boundaries are not just important in relationships and intimacy. They are essential. You know what you want, what you like, and what you want to do, and expressing that will help you.” Setting healthy boundaries means knowing your limits, respecting those of your partner, and feeling comfortable with the dynamics of your intimate life. Moreover, boundaries help ensure that both partners feel safe, respected, and valued. They allow for mutual consent and ensure that the needs and wants of both individuals are taken into account. Remember, this does not just refer to physical boundaries—it also involves emotional boundaries, which makes it one of the crucial tips to improve intimacy.

5. Prioritize your mental health

Being mentally healthy is key to foster intimacy, says the mental health expert. “Prioritize your mental health above all. Give priority to your emotional and mental health because if there are deep-seated, unresolved traumas, issues, and challenges, that is going to show in the bedroom.” Our emotional and mental state affects every part of our lives, including our intimate relationships. If unresolved emotional issues are left unchecked, they can manifest in the bedroom and impact the quality of connection you share with your partner. Taking care of your mental health is not just about addressing immediate concerns—it is about fostering a mindset that makes room for growth, understanding, and self-awareness.

Practising self-care, seeking therapy, and addressing emotional struggles are all essential parts of prioritising mental health and are also important tips to improve intimacy.

So, make sure you follow these tips to improve intimacy and build a strong connection!