Studies show that expressing forms of physical intimacy, such as hugging, kissing, holding hands, and cuddling are strongly related to relationship satisfaction. And it’s no wonder – touch is a powerful expression of affection in a relationship! It’s how you comfort your spouse, how you form close emotional attachments, and how to get closer to one another.
So what role does sexual expression play in all of this physical affection? It’s true that sexual expression isn’t everything in a relationship. but it is definitely an important part of physical intimacy. It helps couples strengthen their bonds and makes a marriage feel more fulfilling. Here are 7 ways sexual expression improves physical intimacy.
Emotional Bonds are Formed
One of the benefits of intimacy is that sexual expression is a big part of building emotional bonds. The oxytocin hormone released during intimate moments makes couples feel closer.
Emotional intimacy is a great thing to share with your partner. It’s what helps you feel comfortable being vulnerable together. It also strengthens communication and boosts marital friendship.
Communication is Strengthened
If you couldn’t communicate with your spouse, how happy would you be? Being able to express your thoughts and feelings is a huge part of a healthy relationship. It’s how you resolve problems, get to know each other on a deeper level, and grow as a couple.
Communication is essential for a happy relationship. Yes, even in the bedroom! Studies show that sexual communication is positively associated with sexual satisfaction and a boost in relationship quality.
As you begin your journey of sexual expression with your partner, you will find that your communication will grow. You may even get to the point where you know how your spouse is feeling without ever saying a word to one another!
Physical Intimacy Promotes Trust
Without trust, it is impossible to stay close to someone.
One of the benefits of Physical Intimacy is the release of oxytocin that acts as an emotional barrier removal. It encourages the mind to deny inhibitions and raises the bonds of trust.
Building a sense of loyalty in a committed relationship is important. It shows your partner they can trust you, rely on you, and also encourages them to be honest in return.
Being trustworthy in a relationship means that at all times you:
- Live up to your word
- Can be relied on
- Will not be unfaithful or purposely do anything to hurt your spouse
- Will not divulge important information or secrets
Couples Are Less Likely to Get Divorced
Can sexual expression play a role in how successful your marriage is? Absolutely – and not for the shallow reasons you might be thinking.
Yes, sex is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your partner, but it’s also one of the most intimate ways that humans bond and connect emotionally. It strengthens couples and makes them feel more attached than ever, which protects their relationship from potential troubles.
Research done by The National Marriage Project shows that couples who have a regular date night experience a boost in intimacy and are less likely to get divorced.
This makes it especially important for couples to put aside time each week to devote to physical intimacy. This could mean being sexually intimate, or just cuddling together on the couch. Touch is powerful in a relationship, sexually or otherwise. Don’t underestimate it.
Intimacy Enhances Monogamy
As previously stated, oxytocin is a big factor in how close, comfortable, and honest couples are with one another. It acts as a bonding agent that strengthens a relationship from potential problems. There are even research studies to show that the oxytocin released after lovemaking makes men faithful.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science did a study of 40 young men who were in serious relationships. These men all reported being passionately in love with their spouses. The men were given a nasal spray of oxytocin and were then shown photos of their girlfriend and then a photo of another, equally as attractive woman.
The results found the part of their brains responsible for pleasure and desire lit up when looking at photos of the women they loved, but when shown photos of equally attractive women who they had never met, the men did not react as strongly.
Excellent for Health
One of the benefits of physical intimacy is that it is good for your health. Regular lovemaking and physical intimacy raised the body’s levels of immunoglobulin A, which is an antibody that helps fight off infections. This means that sex may help ward off the common cold and the flu.
Can love improve your brain power? Research published by SAGE Journals says yes.
The study found that “when in love, people typically focus on a long-term perspective, which should enhance holistic thinking and thereby creative thought, whereas when experiencing sexual encounters, they focus on the present and on concrete details enhancing analytic thinking.”
Research also shows that physical intimacy with a loving partner reduces stress and anxiety, and in some cases actually acts like an antidepressant for women.
Physical intimacy has many, many benefits to your health. From a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, lowers risks during pregnancy, lowers blood pressure, to warding off prostate cancer.
Physical Intimacy Boosts Love
Studies show that couples who are regularly physically intimate are more likely to verbalize their love for one another than couples who don’t make time for sex.
That is not to say that sex and love are always the same thing, but in a committed marriage, physical intimacy has a lot to do with how loving you feel toward your partner.
Physical intimacy is about more than just sex. It’s about creating a connection with someone you love and strengthening your marriage. The benefits of intimacy include deep emotional bonds, improved trust between partners, and protection against divorce. Communicate openly with your partner about physical intimacy to strengthen your marriage today.
Author Bio:Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations around the world, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. She is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource to support healthy happy marriages.