There are many ifs and buts in relationships but the way forward is to give it time and nurture it. But that's easier said than done. Agree? This is why, experts suggest the need for emotional intimacy to understand our partners and in fact better any sort of relationship. In a similar vein, life coach Anjali Tyagi shared a note. Take a look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anjali Tyagi (@anjalityagi.lifecoach) Did you know that emotional intimacy is essential for our well-being and happiness? Emotional intimacy is a vital aspect of any relationship, and it is particularly important for women, said Tyagi "Women crave emotional connection and communication with their partners, friends, and family members. Research has shown that emotional intimacy is important for women’s mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that emotional intimacy is important for women’s mental and emotional well-being. Studies have found that women who report higher levels of emotional intimacy with their partners have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Women also report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships when they feel emotionally connected to their partners," said Tyagi. Despite the importance of emotional intimacy for women, many face challenges in achieving it, stressed Tyagi. "One of the biggest challenges is societal expectations of gender roles. Women are often expected to be caretakers, and this can leave little time and energy for emotional connection with their partners. Women may also feel pressure to prioritise the needs of others over their own emotional needs. Another challenge is communication barriers where women may have difficulty expressing their emotions, particularly if they have experienced trauma or negative experiences in the past," expressed Tyagi. Additionally, some women may fear being vulnerable and opening themselves up to potential hurt or rejection. How can we cultivate emotional intimacy in our relationships, whether romantic or platonic? "By paying attention to each other’s emotions, validating each other’s experiences, and creating safe spaces for honest communication. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s worth the effort," shared Tyagi. What is emotional intimacy? Emotional intimacy is the closeness you feel with a significant other – it could be a spouse, a parent, a child or even with a friend. It's the feeling of being known and accepted for who you are with his/her flaws and all, said Rajeev Vijayan, co-founder and CEO, The Able Mind. "It's the feeling of being safe and supported, even when you're at your most vulnerable. When you are emotionally intimate with someone, you feel connected to them on a deeper level. You feel like you can be yourself around them and that they accept you for who you are. This kind of connection can make your relationships stronger and more fulfilling," said Rajeev. In any relationship being connected and engaged to each other is important, noted clinical psychologist Kamna Chhibber. "A core component of this is knowing and understanding the emotional experiences of your partner. Even if a person does not identify with the emotions being displayed, accepting them as critical to your partner is important as different people can have different ways of responding," Chhibber told indianexpress.com. Trust and respect are the foundations of emotional intimacy, added Rajeev. "When you trust someone, you feel safe and secure with them. You know that they will be there for you, no matter what and you know that they will not judge you," Rajeev said, adding that trust can be built over time through open communication, honesty, and consistency. Concurrently, dismissing emotional experiences can create distance and disconnect and make your partner feel unwanted and uncared for. Often people can take a more pragmatic approach to the situation and this may not be what your partner needs, noted Chhibber. "Responding to your partner's need for emotional closeness is crucial to build the right bond and letting your partner know that you understand them and they can take the space they need to share what they would like to and that you have the ability to hold the space for them even as they go through difficult experiences. This helps build trust and confidence in the relationship," said Chhibber. Respect is another important facet of emotional intimacy. When you respect someone, you treat them with dignity and consideration. "You value their opinions and feelings and it helps to create a sense of safety and ease in relationships. Building trust and emotional intimacy takes intention, time, and effort. But it is worth it. When you have both, you have a strong foundation for a lasting and fulfilling relationship," said Rajeev. Rajeev shared a few tips on how to build emotional intimacy *Be honest and open with each other. This means sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even the ones that are difficult to talk about. *Be supportive and understanding. When your partner shares something with you, listen without judgment and offer your support. Come from a place of understanding and not advice-giving. *Be present and engaged. When you're together, give each other your full attention and make sure you're really listening to what the other person is saying. *Spend quality time together. This doesn't have to be anything elaborate or hours on end - just spending time doing things you enjoy together, even for a few minutes in a day, like sharing a meal, having a laugh, playing a game, or simply vegetating together watching a favourite show can help you build intimacy. *Be vulnerable with each other. This means being willing to share your fears, weaknesses, and insecurities. It can be scary, but it's essential for building true intimacy and is only possible when you both are able to provide that space for each other. *Communicate effectively. This means being able to express your needs and wants in a clear and respectful way. It also means being able to listen to your partner's needs and wants and working together to find solutions that work for both of you. *Pay attention. A sure shot way to build emotional intimacy is paying attention to your partner’s needs even when it is not spelled out, by noticing/paying attention to them. This makes them realise that they matter and nothing increases a sense of belonging like knowing that you are valued. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
