One of the key ways to build or rebuild intimacy is to introduce non-sexual affectionate touch into your intimate life.
Many couples struggle sexually because the intimacy one or both parties require is absent. A loss of emotional connection is a common complaint and deliberately building intimacy outside sexual intercourse can be helpful in reestablishing your emotional and intimate connection.
Exploring non-sexual affectionate touch can help to re-establish lost connections and can provide a pathway back to intimacy for couples that have lost their “spark” or want to bond more.
Non-sexual affectionate touch includes things like hugs, caressing your partner while you watch a movie together, snuggling, holding hands, walking with your arms around each other’s waist, kissing or nibbling your partner’s ear, stroking their butt, etc without actually having intercourse.
The primary purpose of Non-sexual affectionate touch is to increase connection and intimacy with your partner. The right touch generally helps reduces stress hormone and release oxytocin known as the ‘cuddle hormone’.
When these hormones are affected by touch it can lift our moods and help us feel more affectionate with our partners.
In particular, non-sexual affectionate touch can help to:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Reduce conflict
Increase connection
Reduce isolation and loneliness
Reduce feelings of grief
Increase intimacy
Improve the quality of sex and
Increase overall marriage satisfaction.
Do you currently use non-sexual affectionate touch with your partner?