“You’re frustrated because you keep waiting for the blooming of flowers of which you have yet to sow the seeds.” Steve Maraboli
True intimacy (and even good sex) is not spontaneous.
It makes me think of farmers. They don’t just go out and harvest their crops. They spend a tremendous amount of time making sure everything is just right to ensure a good yield.
Think about it.
They prepare the soil. They choose the best seeds. They watch the weather. They irrigate. They weed.
They worry and they watch.
Instant results are neither expected nor desired.
How does your approach to intimacy stack up?
Many years ago, I read a statement that foreplay begins when the orgasm ends. But what does that mean?
If you’re only focused on the orgasm, you’re probably disappointed with your sex life. It probably doesn’t meet your expectations—either in quantity or quality.
Because, unlike a farmer, you aren’t creating the environment for success.
Real intimacy requires time and attention. Just like producing a bumper crop does.
Bad Marriage Advice #25: Forgive and Forget
While forgiveness is both important and necessary for a healthy marriage, it’s not as simple as this expression implies. Forgiveness is a process and cannot be rushed. In addition, it may not be possible or even desirable to “forget” an incident that requires...
BAD MARRIAGE ADVICE #24: HAVING A BABY WILL FIX YOUR MARRIAGE
There is so much wrong with this marriage advice, I don’t even know where to start. Frankly, the only reason you should have a baby is because you want one. A baby is a person, not duct tape. A baby is also completely helpless. Dependent on the adults to make sure it...
Bad Marriage Advice #23: Your Partner Should Meet All of Your Needs
If your spouse truly loved you, you wouldn’t need anyone else in your life to fulfill any of your needs. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The two of you wrapped in a bubble of complete bliss and contentment, needing no one or nothing outside of it? Blech!!!! Who comes up with...
This can be confusing because in the early days of a relationship sex is often easy and frequent.
But, over time, as the newness dies down, more attention and intention are necessary to have the kind of intimacy most couples want.
True intimacy is a function of the health of your relationship. If you are disconnected out of the bedroom, you will be disconnected in it.
And it takes clear and specific actions to create the proper relational foundation for intimacy.
This foundation includes emotional safety and emotional connection. If you have those two things, physical intimacy almost feels effortless. Without them, it’s often a struggle.
It also requires dedicated time. If all of your energy is focused away from your relationship, is it any wonder that your sex life is disappointing?
If you only spend time connecting with your wife immediately before inviting her into the bedroom, you’re selling real intimacy short. And your marriage will suffer in the long run.
However, if you’re investing in your marriage on a daily basis, your return will reflect that as well.
You’ve got this. And if you don’t, I’ve got you. Reach out and let me know how you’re investing in your marriage. I really would like to know.
Around the Web This Week
What You Need to Know to Have an Intimately Healthy Marriage
People need touch—a hug, a snuggle, and, yes, sex—to be healthy. What should seem straight forward is often quite complicated. Stress, hormone levels, time and more, all play a role in how healthy and intimate your marriage is. Women’s Intimate Health Expert Dr. Carolyn DeLucia reveals what every couple needs to know to create deep intimacy and lasting connection.