Sexual health also includes healthy respectful relationships and intimate partnership.

What is intimacy?

Anna de Muinck Keizer university of Amsterdam

Intimacy is a multidimensional construct that consists of intellectual, personal, affective and physical aspects. Emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy are important predictors of satisfaction in a relationship. Intimacy can have a positive influence on the development of trust and bond in relationships and marriage.

Emotional intimacy is when partners feel the ability to behave, think or feel without fear of being judged. It is related to partner satisfaction, emotional well-being, communication, partner support, understanding and sexual well-being. Additionally, it can be a protective factor in romantic relationships and a key factor for mental health and well-being.

Sexual intimacy involves physical affection, trust and respectful communication between partners. Sexual desire has been positively associated to emotional and relationship quality. In addition, sexual satisfaction predicts higher relationship satisfaction.

Why is intimacy important?

Lack of intimacy is associated with relationship issues such as lost sense of security, jealousy between partners, prevention of processing of conflicts. When a relationship misses emotional intimacy, the relationship can feel lonely, disconnected from each other, not sharing important things, lack of support, which all can cause more conflicts and arguments. A lack of emotional intimacy can in turn cause lower sexual intimacy and lower relationship satisfaction.

The role of communication

Communication plays an important role in relationships; it can strengthen or hinder emotional and sexual intimacy between partners.  Individuals who experienced positive communication in their relationship are more likely to feel sexually and emotionally intimate with their partners and therefore satisfied with their relationships.

Tips on how to ensure emotional and sexual intimacy in your relationship:

• Create an atmosphere for your partner where they will feel safe disclosing their vulnerabilities.
• Encourage communication about their want and needs, ask questions.
• Consider turning of electronic devices when spending time together, especially during mealtime.
• Make time for each other and engage in mutually enjoyable fun activities.
• Have a good balance between self-care and being together.

References

Aranda, V., Ayala, M., Esquivel, C., Ossandón, N., & Quinteros, C. (2024). Self-concealment and emotional intimacy in Chilean adults in a couple relationship. Iberoamerican Journal of Psychology and Public Policy, 1(2), 119–140. https://doi.org/10.56754/2810-6598.2024.0012

Beaulieu, N., Bergeron, S., Brassard, A., Byers, E. S., & Péloquin, K. (2022). Toward an integrative model of intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: A Prospective Study in Long-Term Couples. The Journal of Sex Research, 60(8), 1100–1112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2129557

Lancer, D. (2023, April 4). 8 ways to nurture emotional intimacy in your marriage. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/men-growing-intimacy-in-marriage-1270945

Wider, W., Chua, B. S., Mutang, J. A., Tan, C. C., Jiang, L., Tanucan, J. C. M., Thant, Y. M., & Udang, L. N. (2025). Associations between intimacy in relationships and marital satisfaction across gender and in different durations of relationship. Cogent Psychology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2025.2545657

Yoo, H., Bartle-Haring, S., Day, R. D., & Gangamma, R. (2013). Couple communication, emotional and sexual intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 40(4), 275–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623x.2012.751072