20 Ways To Build Intimacy In Your Marriage

This could not be less true, and this is largely because nothing on this planet remains stagnant. Our cells in our bodies are constantly reproducing, nature is continually regenerating and growing, and as individuals, life causes each of us to change and evolve, providing our partners with more to discover and learn about us. Therefore, the most important thing we can do to cultivate more intimacy within our marriages is to remain curious about our partners and assume there is more to discover and learn. Here's how to make that happen:

Do it for no good reason with a sweet card, a night out, or a lingering kiss.

When you find yourself thinking of your partner in the middle of the day, let them know.

Communicate: Share stories, fears, and all that you’re looking forward to.

When your partner is sharing something with you, really listen and ask follow-up questions.

Whether it's on an accomplishment at work or a new blouse that looks particularly nice on them, don't be stingy with the compliments.

Think about a happy memory the two of you had together, and talk about it with your partner.

There's nothing quite like genuinely appreciating at least one thing each day about your beloved.

And do it without ever asking to be forgiven.

Helping them with something they don't enjoy doing—like picking up their dry cleaning or doing the dishes—can go a long way.

The eyes are the windows to the soul, so take advantage!

Whenever he or she comes in the room, look at them and smile.

Take a class or cook a healthy meal together. You can also create something together like a backyard oasis or plan a vacation together.

Give each other 15 minutes together every night before collapsing into bed to connect and talk. Days can get busy, so you have to specifically carve out these moments or they won’t happen.

Put the phone down, shut down the iPad, turn off the TV.

Read the same book at the same time and then talk about it—it’s like your own personal book club. Better yet, read to each other.

Choose one day each week (I like Sunday mornings) when you agree to just linger in bed for a while drinking coffee, talking, snuggling.

If you can, take a vacation day when you stay at home, doing absolutely nothing productive, and only doing things that feel good to both of you.

Instead, listen to music, talk, or even play a game. I recommend TableTopics Conversation Starters.

There's nothing quite like fresh air and sharing a delicious meal with your loved one.

Want more ideas for creating intimacy? These four tantric practices can help.