This is what we discussed at our June 1 Intimacy event
(every Frist Friday at South City Kitchen Vinings 7-10pm)
If you want to increase your level of intimacy - emotional and physical, try...
Intimacy PILLS
P - Prayer
I - Involvement
L - Loving Response
L - Listen Deeply
S - Speak Positively
This is what brings you closer outside the bedroom and results in closeness inside the bedroom as well.
Prayer is the most intimate thing a man and woman can do together. Ask God to bring you closer. He can solve any problem between you. Be sure to ask Him to change YOU first, your spouse will follow.
Get Involved with your spouses favorite activty (running, gardening, painting, cooking). Choose an activity that your spouse truly enjoys and SERVE them in that activity. As they are fulfilled by the activity, they will feel closer to you.
When you are offended by your spouse, respond with a LOVING attitude on purpose. Most of the time, others don't intend to offend you. Responding in LOVE makes you feel better and diffuses a potential argument.
Listen Deeply to your spouses hopes, fears and dreams on a daily basis. "Active Listening" is what this is called. Hear them out, repeating back what they said often to make sure they are heard and then empathise with how these things made them feel. Be sure to address their emotions.
Speak Positively about your spouse and your relationship. When you say bad things, it gets worse. Never gossip with friends. Only discuss your spouse/marriage/realtionship in positive terms and things will always move toward the positive.
Book Suggestions:
Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt (Prayer)
Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix (Involvement and Listen Deeply)
Forgive for Love by Fred Luskin (Loving Response)
