The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Has your relationship become all Netflix and no chill?
If you’re having intimacy issues, you may feel like you’re hanging in there okay or you may even feel downright miserable. Intimacy issues can quickly bring relationships to an end, especially if they aren’t treated proactively.
So, how can you rediscover intimacy in your relationship? Read on to learn about common sources of intimacy issues and five ways that you can work on overcoming them.
Where Do Intimacy Issues Come From?
If you’ve made your way to this article, chances are you are having some kind of intimacy issues. That’s an important first step.
Now, however, you need to really be proactive. The next step is understanding where the intimacy issues are stemming from. Without knowing the why, it’s much harder to find the solutions that are right for you and your particular situation.
So, this article will cover some of the most common reasons for intimacy issues to give you a better idea of how to move forward.
And if you could use more resources on intimacy issues, don’t hesitate to consult the helpful content available online through BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/intimacy/
Sexual Incompatibility
Many couples are simply not sexually compatible. Of course, this is something you want to try to figure out sooner rather than later, as sex is part of a normal and healthy relationship.
Your incompatibility may be something you can work through, however. It will take open and honest communication, however.
Trust Issues
Most relationships have some kind of trust issues at one point or another. They often diminish with time as you become more and more established together, but certain things—such as infidelity—can really rock the boat in terms of trust.
If you have trust issues in your relationship, you’ll need to address those or they will likely diminish your ability to be properly intimate.
Infidelity
As mentioned, infidelity is all but guaranteed to cause trust issues. No matter the affect on trust, it is understandable that infidelity will be quite disruptive to your intimacy.
The person who was cheated on may not feel comfortable being intimate for weeks, months, or even years.
Can Intimacy Issues Be Solved?
The good thing is that intimacy issues can often be solved with time and effort. However, it’s a two-way street and you both need to be on board.
Now, here are some useful tips for helping you work through your intimacy issues, no matter what their given source may be.
Get to the Bottom of the Issue
Figuring out your intimacy issues may not be the easiest thing. It can be painful to have to reflect on them.
In general, you can consider the above examples, though there are plenty of other possible sources. In any case, you must get to the bottom of the issue in order to most effectively move forward.
Be Patient
No matter how frustrated you may be due to the intimacy issues, it is in everyone’s best interest to remain patient.
Intimacy issues really cannot be rushed through. Try to go slowly and remain respectful of your partner’s wishes. They will appreciate your patience and respect.
So, try starting with something simple like hand holding or a neck rub and don’t count on getting fully intimate until you have time to work up to that.
Do Something Together
If your intimacy has been less than the best, it may be because you’ve grown apart. A great way to improve your relationship in general is to simply spend time doing fun activities together.
Whether that’s cooking, a dinner and a movie, going to a sporting event—it doesn’t matter. The main thing is you both enjoy it. This will help you grow closer together and should help improve your intimacy as well.
Conclusion
Intimacy issues can be overcome. That said, it may not be easy. It can take a lot of time and effort. The main thing is that you both commit to overcoming your issues together. And if you need further support, don’t hesitate to consult the help of a licensed couple’s counselor. It’s their job to help people just like you.
