Let's Talk Intimacy

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Posted:

Ahh, intimacy. The very heartbeat of relationships. Below, we explore not only the meaning but also the significance of intimacy in relationships.

Our goal is to educate readers on how to maintain, deepen, and rebuild emotional and physical closeness throughout the lifecyle of their relationship. And that includes trust building, bonding, and vulnerability.

Intimacy isn’t one-dimensional, meaning it isn’t just about sex. Our expert articles explore the many facets of intimacy, giving readers the tools to water and grow every part at every stage of their romantic partnership.

These articles focus on how partners can promote rapport to create secure, enduring bonds. Our content offers practical guidance to help couples put what they learn about intimacy into action and understand its role in improving connection.

Find that romantic spark and never let it burn out with the help of our guides. Our experts also offer tips about intimacy in the digital world, including hot topics like sexting and AI companionship.

225 Results

What Our Experts Say:

1.
Defining Celibacy in the Dating World
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

When’s the right time to sleep with a new partner? This age-old question has fostered heated debate among dating coaches, religious organizations, and friend groups alike.  But for some people, the answer is simple: Never.  Celibacy — avoiding sex and sometimes romantic attachment — is not new. Some people have always chosen to remain unpartnered, whether through a formal organization that forbids...

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2.
Having Relationship Problems? Focus on Friendship First
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: If your relationship problems have become too overwhelming, it’s time to focus on friendship with your partner. We talked to Michael McNulty, Ph.D., LCSW about how focusing on friendship can help couples get back to basics, work on their relationships, and rediscover intimate connection.  The Gottman Method remains one of the most popular and effective therapy modalities for married couples. The...

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3.
Men Can Achieve Self-Acceptance By Redefining Masculinity
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: At New Men Rising, men can confront their insecurities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Founder Allegra Cramb is a certified sex coach who helps men overcome sexual roadblocks, confidence issues, and feelings of inadequacy.  You may have a preconceived idea of what male self-improvement looks like. If you’re like me, you pictured a rugged wilderness retreat where men chop down trees...

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4.
7 Good Love Questions to Ask a Girl
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

You’ve met a gal, and that’s great! She’s awesome and fun and gives you butterflies. But you aren’t really much of a talker… and you’ve never been accused of being romantic. After a beautiful day out, walking through the countryside and farmland, she turns to you and asks, “What are you thinking? Right now?”   You look at her and reply honestly, “Pigs are much bigger than you’d...

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5.
Inspiring Quotes About Love
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

I am a big fan of quotes. When I was in theater in high school, I loved having a Shakespeare quote or two handy.  Even before the internet — I had books of quotes at home.  (“Peter’s Quotations,” published in 1977 and “The Guinness Book of Poisonous Quotes,” published in 1991, among others)   Why do I like quotes so much? I’d refer you to the quote, “I quote others only in order the better to express myself.” —...

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6.
A Sex Coach Explained How LDS Women Can Embrace Their Sex Lives
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Years of chastity can make married life difficult for some LDS women to get used to. This is why Amanda Louder, a sex coach with a personal background in the LDS faith, has dedicated her career to helping Christian women overcome shame and sexual repression.  My parents didn’t preach abstinence because of religion, though we did go to my hometown’s Roman Catholic church every Sunday. They...

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7.
Erotic Blueprints™ Help You Understand Your Sex Life
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Sex coach Stacie Ysidro thinks that harnessing the power of your sexuality is the deepest way to transform your life. Stacie talked to us about sex coaching, self-actualized experiences of sexuality, and how Erotic Blueprints™ can illuminate how you experience pleasure. Growing up, we never talked about sex. Sex was almost a bad word, but not quite. The not-so-subtle and confusing messaging I...

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8.
What Is Consent? Everything You Need to Know
Emma Estrada

Emma Estrada

I remember this one time in my early 20s when I was about to enter a huge rager outside of a cooperative house in Berkeley, California. I was an undergrad and very ready to party. Before my friends and I eagerly entered the fray, however, a young student said they had to give us the consent speech. I was confused. Consent speech? Are you paid for this? Will there be a quiz later? What is consent?...

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9.
What Are Friends With Benefits? A Guide for Navigating the Gray Area
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

The year 2011 was interesting for the cultural zeitgeist. Adele was reaching mega-stardom by setting fire to the rain, the Harry Potter films were coming to their devastating end (I’m personally still recovering from this), and, most importantly, romcoms were shaping the modern dating landscape.  Movies like Just Go With It, Something Borrowed, and Crazy, Stupid, Love are fan faves I wouldn’t dare fail to...

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10.
New Research Says Long-Distance Relationships Can Work 
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

I get asked this question all the time: Can a long-distance relationship (LDR) actually work? I usually respond with another question: What do you mean by “work?” There are many kinds of relationships that satisfy a menu of needs, from emotional and sexual to financial and social.  A long-distance relationship can certainly meet some, if not all, of these needs. However, if your definition of a...

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11.
What Is Sexting? Exploring the Nuances of Digital Intimacy
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

Thanks to modern technology, we can now send memes to friends halfway across the world. We can order hot and fresh food to our doorstep while watching our favorite artists perform live from the comfort of our couches — all with a few taps of a finger.  So, are we surprised that sexting has taken the virtual world by storm? Sexting is popular, and it isn’t going away any time soon.  The ways people...

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12.
What Is Casual Sex? Everything You Should Know
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The rise of the sex-positive movement means societal attitudes are shifting in a new direction.  Casual sex may have been frowned upon decades ago, but now, people have more freedom to embrace their sexuality. Modern singles define their sex lives on their own terms. Casual sex is consensual sex without expectations of a romantic relationship. Thanks to sex-positive hookup apps, singles have more access to...

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13.
Great Sex Starts With Vulnerable Conversations
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Sexual disconnect can be confusing and disorientating for couples. Austin Cresap, a sex and relationship therapist at PNW Sex Therapy Collective and starting her own practice, I Came Here to Talk, talked to us about why couples may experience sexual discrepancies and how authentic and secure communication can help them through it. Communication is one of the biggest challenges couples face....

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14.
How to Rekindle the Spark (5 Tips)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Falling in love is great! You get butterflies in your stomach when you think of that special someone, you write sappy poetry, and you moon over them to your friends. Your body is releasing dopamine, serotonin, some cortisol (the stress hormone), and your pulse races! Eventually, around a year in, those infatuation hormones start to wear off and the fireworks of love turn into something with a slower, steadier...

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15.
Struggling in Your Relationship? Couples Retreats can be a Game-Changer … and a Vacation
Emma Estrada

Emma Estrada

The Short Version: Not everyone is ready for couples therapy, but everyone could use a vacation. This realization led couples therapist Marissa Nelson to begin her work on IntimacyMoons, her transformative couples retreat program. Marissa helps couples improve their sex lives, communication skills, and emotional intimacy, all while having a wonderful time away from home. “We had the best sex of our life. We went...

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16.
What is Intimacy? Types, Challenges & Ways to Express It
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

People from all over the world ponder what love really means to them. What’s the magic that brings two people together? And what keeps those people happy and healthy over an extended period of time? Intimacy, according to psychologists, is a key aspect of a healthy relationship.  Plenty of us have associated this term with knocking boots, getting jiggy with it (I can’t believe I just typed that), or indulging in a...

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17.
Unlocking the Secrets of Self and Love Through Dream Analysis 
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

The Short Version: Dream analysis shines a light on the perspectives of those healing from trauma by inspiring heartfelt dialogues of their unconscious. Daniel Boscaljon and Angela Amias are on a mission to help individuals forge a path to personal growth and develop deeper and more profound connections through Alchemy of Love. When we talked with Daniel, he underscored the importance of understanding and addressing...

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18.
Feminine Embodiment Mentor Alexandra Roxo Coaches Women on Embracing Sexuality in Motherhood
Mackenzie Buck

Mackenzie Buck

The Short Version: It’s 2024. Women occupy over half the workforce, have flown around the moon, and dominate the music scene in undeniable ways. Isn’t it about time we let moms feel sexy in their own skin? Bestselling author and intimacy coach Alexandra Roxo is leading the way with a message of empowerment for women. She encourages her clients and followers to embrace the sexiness of a mother’s life-giving body. I...

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19.
What Is PDA?
Cassey Ashley Sua

Cassey Ashley Sua

Ever noticed how some couples are all about holding hands, hugging, or stealing a peck in public? Yep, that's Public Displays of Affection (PDA) for you - the art of showing your love for someone in the not-so-privacy of public spaces. From the simple hand-hold to a full-on kiss, PDAs are the world's least subtle way of saying, "Yep, we're into each other!" Now, not everyone's on the same page about flaunting...

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20.
Intimacy Coach and Marriage Expert Alexandra Stockwell Discusses Rebuilding Intimacy in a Relationship
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: When it comes to relationships, keeping the flame of intimacy alive involves more than closeness and affection. Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, a Rolling Stones, USA Today, and Fox News Intimacy Coach and Marriage Expert, believes true intimacy evolves from deliberate effort and mutual understanding. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Stockwell unveils her insights on how couples can rekindle and reignite...

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21.
What Is the Swinger Lifestyle?
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The dating landscape is diverse and constantly evolving. Thanks to poly culture, people are getting to experience dating the way they want with no shame. Swingers are defined as people who are married or in a long-term relationship having consensual sex with other couples or individuals.  Let’s be real -- a swinger’s lifestyle is often misunderstood and judged. Some people will blithely pass judgment on...

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22.
Sex and Relationship Therapist Isiah McKimmie Share How Couples Can Improve Their Sex Lives 
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: Sex and relationship therapist Isiah McKimmie is passionate about helping couples achieve sexual freedom in their relationships. From one-on-one sessions to fun blogs and podcasts, Isiah leads couples to a harmonious relationship filled with long-lasting intimacy and healing.  Sex is a sensitive topic that most couples avoid discussing. I get it, but keeping your relationship problems...

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23.
Infinite Intimacy Provides Holistic Counseling To Help Couples Reconnect
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Keeping healthy and strong relationships is one of the best things we can do for our overall health and life satisfaction. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Rachel Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Sex Therapist, and she helps couples gain the skills and tools they need to grow in intimacy. Rachel talked to us about what holistic sex therapy looks like at her...

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24.
The Butters Hygienics Co. Crafts Handmade Vegan Body Products Perfect For Spicing Up Valentine’s Day
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Ingredients matter when it comes to hygiene products, and that’s especially the case for personal lubricants. The Butters Hygienic Co. is a small business based in Michigan that makes natural vegan hygiene products and lubricants at a budget-friendly price. Jerome Stuart Nichols is the founder, owner, and maker at The Butters. Jerome told us about his company’s story, why sexual health awareness...

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25.
Modern Intimacy’s Dr. Kat Arenella Talks All Things Ethical Non-Monogamy
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Ethical non-monogamy is the term used to describe a wide array of relationships in which people have more than one intimate romantic partner. Dr. Kat Arenella, a sex therapist with Modern Intimacy, told us about ethical non-monogamy and shared tips for individuals and couples considering exploring non-monogamous relationships. From swinging to open relationships, Dr. Kat has the answers to tons of...

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26.
Bonafide’s Revaree Uses The Power Of Hyaluronic Acid To Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

The Short Version: Menopause can sound like a scary word to some, but it's a chapter of life most women will experience. People with a uterus often struggle with symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, and hot flashes during menopause — all of which can impact both their comfort and overall quality of life. No one wants to sweat in their sleep or feel pain when they’re trying to be intimate with their partner, so...

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27.
TantraNova Founder Dr. Elsbeth Meuth Says Tantra Helps Couples Achieve Dream Intimacy
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Dr. Elsbeth Meuth is a Tantra expert and the founder of TantraNova. TantraNova is an online platform that connects singles and couples to Tantric retreats and private workshops. Tantra is a complex philosophy developed on the Indian subcontinent that is concerned with weaving together the energetic, physical, and spiritual. Dr. Elsbeth told us about Tantra and how everyone – single or in a...

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28.
Arica Angelo Gets Real With Helpful Advice to Improve Your Love Life
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

The Short Version: If you’re in a relationship or out in the dating world, it’s likely that you know how difficult it can be to find and maintain a healthy, long-lasting connection. Relationships take work, and dating to find one takes confidence and openness — two things that many of us tend to struggle with. Dating coach and relationship expert Arica Angelo is the perfect person to help daters and couples develop...

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29.
10 Best Sex and Intimacy Coaches of 2023
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

Sex: almost everybody does it, and almost everybody hates talking about it. Centuries of various kinds of cultural conditioning have resulted in generations of people who flat-out refuse to talk about sex. Others may be able to talk about it, but are plagued with feelings of shame or guilt. Sex is human nature, yet consistently made taboo. There is an appropriate time and place to discuss sex, sexuality, and...

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30.
Practical Intimacy Helps Couples Improve Their Connections Through Coaching
Sophia Peyser

Sophia Peyser

The Short Version: Jodie Milton and Reece Stockhausen created Practical Intimacy after encountering problems in their relationship and realizing that they can help other couples become stronger. The website offers online coaching and education on sex, intimacy, relationships, and personal development. The coaches behind Practical Intimacy believe that a relationship can change your life for the better when you have...

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Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

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