When individuals come together to form an intimate relationship, they enter into a world where emotions, desires, fears, insecurities, traumas, fantasies, secrets, hopes, dreams, and beliefs meet and collide. Love is a bond that connects them to each other, but it also demands their full attention and care. Intimacy is the gateway through which partners experience themselves and one another more deeply than ever before.
When external stressors such as war, economic crisis, or displacement disrupt this fragile equilibrium, couples may find it challenging to sustain the level of intimacy they had previously enjoyed.
One way to maintain intimacy during periods of extreme external stress is communication. Partners must share their thoughts and feelings honestly and openly without judgment. It's crucial to listen attentively and empathically and avoid dismissing or minimizing each other's concerns. Regularly discussing one's day, worries, anxieties, expectations, and aspirations can help couples feel closer and less alone in times of uncertainty.
Couples should make time for physical intimacy such as cuddling, kissing, hugging, holding hands, and sexual play - even if sex becomes difficult due to stress. Physical touch releases oxytocin, which reduces cortisol levels and promotes relaxation, improves mood, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity.
Another way to keep intimacy alive is by prioritizing shared experiences. Couples who spend quality time together doing activities that bring joy, such as cooking, exercising, watching movies, playing games, or going on dates, strengthen their relationship by building new memories and rekindling old ones. The key is finding activities that both partners enjoy, so they can connect over something meaningful outside of daily life struggles. This helps create a sense of normalcy, security, and comfort during turbulence.
Couples need to be flexible and creative when it comes to intimacy. When external circumstances impose limitations on traditional ways of relating, such as distance, lack of privacy, or financial constraints, it's essential to adjust to the situation and find alternative ways to express love.
Writing love letters, sending thoughtful gifts, taking walks, having picnics in public places, creating romantic dinners at home, or scheduling regular video chats with loved ones can still foster connection and intimacy.
Sustaining intimacy during periods of extreme stress requires effort, patience, and creativity from both partners. It may mean letting go of preconceived notions about what intimacy should look like and embracing change instead. While it can feel challenging, maintaining physical and emotional closeness offers psychological benefits such as reduced anxiety, increased resilience, improved mental health, and higher self-esteem.
Investing in one's relationship during difficult times pays off in the long run and allows for deeper bonds, stronger connections, and more fulfilling experiences.
How do couples sustain intimacy during periods of extreme external stress such as war, economic crisis, or displacement?
Couples can sustain intimacy by prioritizing each other's needs, communicating openly about their feelings, and engaging in activities that promote closeness and affection. In times of stress, it is essential for partners to support one another emotionally and provide reassurance that they are still connected despite the challenges they face. This involves active listening, validation, and showing appreciation for each other's strengths and efforts.