Traumatic events can cause people to lose trust in their partner and themselves. It's normal for couples who have experienced trauma together to feel distant from each other because they don't want to hurt one another again.
This lack of connection often leads to a lack of physical and emotional intimacy between them.
When it comes to rebuilding intimacy after a breakup or divorce, there are several steps you can take to make sure your relationship is healthy and fulfilling once more. The most important thing you can do is talk about what happened and why it happened. This will help both partners understand each other better, which will lead to more open communication down the road.
Talking about difficult topics isn't easy. You might be afraid that if you tell your partner something upsetting, they won't love you anymore. But being honest with your partner is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. If you don't feel comfortable talking about certain things, try writing them down instead.
If one person has been through abuse, they may need extra support from their partner during this time. They may also need time away from sex until they feel safe enough to engage in it again. When they're ready to start having sex again, you should set boundaries so that both partners feel comfortable with how much physical intimacy they want and when they want it.
It can also help if couples talk about how they want to rebuild their relationship.
Some couples may choose to spend more time alone together while others prefer going out on dates or joining social groups where they can meet new people. It's essential to find what works best for you as a couple rather than forcing anything onto either party.
Once you've established these guidelines, you can work towards reconnecting physically and emotionally. Make sure to express gratitude every day because this shows appreciation for your partner's effort in rebuilding trust and connection.
You can also try getting into new habits together like exercising regularly, eating healthier foods, reading books together, watching movies, etc., so you have something else to focus on besides the past trauma. These activities will bring you closer together without focusing too heavily on the painful memory of the breakup.
Make an effort to be vulnerable by sharing feelings, thoughts, and desires openly with each other. This allows both parties to see each other's perspectives better and understand why they reacted to certain situations differently. Remember: communication is key!
How do partners rebuild emotional and sexual intimacy when trauma or prolonged separation has disrupted relational continuity?
Traumatic experiences such as infidelity, abuse, or military deployment can have devastating effects on couples' intimacy levels, both emotionally and sexually. Research suggests that one of the most effective ways to rebuild trust and intimacy after these events is through open communication, honesty, and vulnerability (Petre et al. , 2016).