| Couples often seek out my relationship help or | | | | ~Trust sends the message that you will never |
| marriage advice because of difficulties with | | | | intentionally embarrass or shame each other and that |
| intimacy—they no longer feel a deep emotional | | | | you will validate and honor each other's essence and |
| connection with their spouse/partner. | | | | what is shared. |
| Why are so many couples struggling with emotional | | | | ~Respect sends the message that you value one |
| intimacy? | | | | another, and this comes through in how you speak and |
| In order to experience the gifts of emotional intimacy, | | | | react to your partner. It's simple: speaking respectfully |
| you need to share the deepest parts of yourself with | | | | shows you respect each other. |
| your partner while maintaining a separate sense of self | | | | ~Compassion infuses your relationship with tenderness |
| (without losing your identity). This balancing act isn't | | | | and kindness. It creates a safe atmosphere that feeds |
| always easy, and there may be times when it feels | | | | emotional intimacy and strengthens the bond that |
| like you've given so much of yourself that you feel lost | | | | makes your relationship unique and special. |
| or that the old you is nowhere to be found. | | | | The trust, respect and compassion triad is something |
| A deep emotional connection needs to include two | | | | couples can easily lose sight of, especially during times |
| separate individuals with healthy boundaries so that | | | | of stress. The goal is to be mindful of when your |
| blending of two souls can occur (the formation of the | | | | relationship is veering off course and return to these |
| "we" that becomes the relationship). | | | | three relationship essentials when they are lacking. |
| Relationship help: How to deepen Intimacy | | | | Do you want to receive powerful relationship tips each |
| Intimacy involves: | | | | month? |
| 1. Setting out on new adventures with your partner | | | | Visit Relationship Toolbox Newsletter and sign up for |
| because s/he matters to you; | | | | Dr. Nicastro's FREE Newsletter. |
| 2. Temporarily placing your needs on hold from time to | | | | As a bonus you will receive the popular free reports: |
| time in order to make your spouse or partner a priority; | | | | "The four mindsets that can topple your relationship" |
| 3. Leaving your "self" (the recognizable you) at times in | | | | and "Relationship self-defense: Control the way you |
| order to step into your partner's emotional world; | | | | argue before your arguments control you." |
| 4. Re-surfacing as a separate, autonomous individual | | | | Are you ready to take your relationship to the next |
| after intense moments of connection; | | | | level? |
| 5. Challenging and bringing out the best in each other. | | | | I've just completed the newest Healthy Relationship |
| This type of intimacy can only survive in the fertile soil | | | | Program e-workbook. |
| of trust, respect and compassion. | | | | |