Intimacy is the feeling of being close to another person in a relationship and having a strong emotional connection. People in healthy, intimate relationships feel cared for and comfortable with partners and experience a sense of validation and well-being. There are different types of intimacy, including emotional intimacy, intellectual intimacy, sexual intimacy, spiritual intimacy, experiential intimacy, and physical intimacy. 

Intimacy is an integral part of a healthy relationship and essential in building bonds within interpersonal relationships. To honestly know and feel emotionally close to another person, developing intimacy with them through appreciation and affection is crucial. Feeling close and comfortable with partners is the key to long-lasting relationships.

It takes effort to build and maintain intimate relationships as people can grow and change. Consider the following ways to increase the level of intimacy in relationships:

1. __Show your appreciation__. Showing appreciation demonstrates that you value the other person in a relationship. You can show appreciation by saying thank you, buying gifts, and returning favors.
2. __Display physical affection__. Intimacy commonly refers to sexual activity, but there are many ways to build physical intimacy. Hug your loved ones and give them a shoulder to lean on to strengthen the bond between you. If you are in a sexual relationship, holding hands in public and cuddling can help maintain intimacy and a healthy sex life.
3. __Work on communication__. No matter how long you’ve known each other, there’s always more to discover about your loved ones. Human beings grow and change. Make an effort to learn about each other on a deeper level by asking questions and [listening](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills). The more you talk to each other, the more layers you will uncover about the other person. Communication can help build emotional closeness.
4. __Spend time together__. Schedule time together to share an experience and learn more about each other. Prioritizing friend dates and romantic dates can strengthen your relationships.
5. __Work on a project together__. Do an activity together you both enjoy. Activities, particularly challenging ones, can give you time to bond and can help build your experiential intimacy.
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
Intimacy is that feeling of closeness with another person. In both romantic relationships and platonic relationships, intimacy is essential.

Intimacy is that feeling of closeness with another person. In both romantic relationships and platonic relationships, intimacy is essential. 

Intimacy in a Relationship: 5 Ways to Build Intimacy

Intimacy is the feeling of being close to another person in a relationship and having a strong emotional connection. People in healthy, intimate relationships feel cared for and comfortable with partners and experience a sense of validation and well-being. There are different types of intimacy, including emotional intimacy, intellectual intimacy, sexual intimacy, spiritual intimacy, experiential intimacy, and physical intimacy.

What Is Intimacy In a Relationship? 

Intimacy is an integral part of a healthy relationship and essential in building bonds within interpersonal relationships. To honestly know and feel emotionally close to another person, developing intimacy with them through appreciation and affection is crucial. Feeling close and comfortable with partners is the key to long-lasting relationships.

Why Is Intimacy Important in a Relationship? 

It takes effort to build and maintain intimate relationships as people can grow and change. Consider the following ways to increase the level of intimacy in relationships:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Show your appreciation. Showing appreciation demonstrates that you value the other person in a relationship. You can show appreciation by saying thank you, buying gifts, and returning favors. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Display physical affection. Intimacy commonly refers to sexual activity, but there are many ways to build physical intimacy. Hug your loved ones and give them a shoulder to lean on to strengthen the bond between you. If you are in a sexual relationship, holding hands in public and cuddling can help maintain intimacy and a healthy sex life. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Work on communication. No matter how long you’ve known each other, there’s always more to discover about your loved ones. Human beings grow and change. Make an effort to learn about each other on a deeper level by asking questions and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-active-listening-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"listening","category":null}'>listening</a>. The more you talk to each other, the more layers you will uncover about the other person. Communication can help build emotional closeness. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Spend time together. Schedule time together to share an experience and learn more about each other. Prioritizing friend dates and romantic dates can strengthen your relationships. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Work on a project together. Do an activity together you both enjoy. Activities, particularly challenging ones, can give you time to bond and can help build your experiential intimacy. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Build Intimacy in Your Relationship

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

Intimacy is that feeling of closeness with another person. In both romantic relationships and platonic relationships, intimacy is essential.

Intimacy is that feeling of closeness with another person. In both romantic relationships and platonic relationships, intimacy is essential. 
