Intimate Encounters: Discovering the Secrets of a Really Great Marriage

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You build experiential intimacy by spending quality time with someone and growing closer over common interests and activities. Violence within an intimate relationship can take the form of physical, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse. The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner. [106] The strong emotional attachment, investment, and interdependence that characterizes close relationships can make it difficult to leave an abusive relationship. [107] Forest, Amanda L.; Sigler, Kirby N.; Bain, Kaitlin S.; O'Brien, Emily R.; Wood, Joanne V. (1 August 2023). "Self-esteem's impacts on intimacy-building: Pathways through self-disclosure and responsiveness". Current Opinion in Psychology. 52: 101596. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101596. ISSN 2352-250X. PMID 37348388. S2CID 258928012. Simpson, Jeffry A; Rholes, W Steven (1 February 2017). "Adult attachment, stress, and romantic relationships". Current Opinion in Psychology. Relationships and stress. 13: 19–24. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.006. ISSN 2352-250X. PMC 4845754. PMID 27135049. Impett, Emily A.; Muise, Amy; Rosen, Natalie O. (2019), Ogolsky, Brian G.; Monk, J. Kale (eds.), "Sex as Relationship Maintenance", Relationship Maintenance: Theory, Process, and Context, Advances in Personal Relationships, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.215–239, ISBN 978-1-108-41985-7 , retrieved 8 November 2023

Engaging in ongoing positive shared communication and activities is important for strengthening the relationship and increasing commitment and liking between partners. These maintenance behaviors can include providing assurances about commitment to the relationship, engaging in shared activities, openly disclosing thoughts and feelings, spending time with mutual friends, and contributing to shared responsibilities. [39] [40] Physical intimacy including sexual behavior also increases feelings of closeness and satisfaction with the relationship. [41] However, sexual desire is often greatest early in a relationship, and may wax and wane as the relationship evolves. [42] Significant life events such as the birth of a child can drastically change the relationship and necessitate adaptation and new approaches to maintaining intimacy. The transition to parenthood can be a stressful period that is generally associated with a temporary decrease in healthy relationship functioning and a decline in sexual intimacy. [43] [44] Commitment [ edit ] Marriage is a form of relationship maintenance that signals commitment between partners. Stanley, Scott M.; Rhoades, Galena K.; Whitton, Sarah W. (2010). "Commitment: Functions, Formation, and the Securing of Romantic Attachment". Journal of Family Theory & Review. 2 (4): 243–257. doi: 10.1111/j.1756-2589.2010.00060.x. PMC 3039217. PMID 21339829. García, C.Y. (1998). "Temporal course of the basic components of love throughout relationships" (PDF). Psychology in Spain. 2 (1): 76–86.a b Vangelisti, Anita L. (2013). "Relationship Dissolution: Antecedents, Processes, and Consequences". In Noeller, Patricia; Feeney, Judith A. (eds.). Close Relationships: Functions, Forms and Processes. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-1-134-95333-2. Cramer, Duncan (2000). "Relationship Satisfaction and Conflict Style in Romantic Relationships". The Journal of Psychology. 134 (3): 337–341. doi: 10.1080/00223980009600873. ISSN 0022-3980. PMID 10907711. S2CID 9245525. The key to this is listening so you can build a real understanding of what the other person cares about and why. Set aside time for each other You don’t have to feel ashamed of having your guard up when you understand why you put it up in the first place.

Jakubiak, Brett K.; Feeney, Brooke C. (2017). "Affectionate Touch to Promote Relational, Psychological, and Physical Well-Being in Adulthood: A Theoretical Model and Review of the Research". Personality and Social Psychology Review. 21 (3): 228–252. doi: 10.1177/1088868316650307. ISSN 1088-8683. PMID 27225036. S2CID 40786746. Rodrigues, A.E.; Hall, J.G.; Fincham, F.D. (2006). "What Predicts Divorce and Relationship Dissolution?". In Fine, M.A.; Harvey, J.H. (eds.). Handbook of divorce and relationship dissolution. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers. pp.85–112.Having shared a dark childhood secret – about his kid brother getting murdered by apes – actor-turned-secret paramilitary officer Gary finally seals the deal with teammate Lisa, as the two retire to the boudoir to bump wood in a variety of positions no major studio would dare attempt with two flesh-and-blood humans. Whatever the project, working toward a goal with a loved one can cultivate bonding time, make invaluable memories, and give you something new to look forward to together. Talk about what intimacy means to you You feel comfortable telling your partner exactly how you feel in part because you’ve become so close to each other. We're experts in what we do, and believe the best dating experience comes where you are matched with people who share your values and interests. Over 80% of Encounters Dating members say they are looking for a serious, long-term relationship and we do our best to help make that happen. Karney, Benjamin R. (2021). "Socioeconomic Status and Intimate Relationships". Annual Review of Psychology. 72 (1): 391–414. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-051920-013658. PMID 32886585. S2CID 221503060.