…g ourselves by in effect saying, “I don’t need anything from anyone. I can feed myself.!!” Even the anorexic person, in refusing to eat, is still saying “I will not take food from anybody, I don’t need anything from anybody, I control what goes in my body.!!” Think about your eating habits. What function does food serve in your life? Could you be using food in an addictive way? 3. Addictions to activities or routines These types of activities are…
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…checked my email, browsed through Instagram, scrolled through my Facebook feed, and gone back to Instagram. I check my phone first thing in the morning and right before I go to bed at night. I feel anxious if my iPhone’s battery is under 10%. I not only tap away on my phone while in line at the coffee shop, but I may continue tapping away as the barista takes my order. I check my phone during lulls in meetings, even in the middle of my favorite s…
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…and men desire a sexual relationship that includes emotional and physical intimacy. Most men and women have a strong desire for a lasting affiliation with the opposite sex. Most women and men have a strong interest in procreation and parenthood. Most men and women have a very strong desire to be in love with each other. Do you have a sexual stereotype of yourself? Sadly, men and women buy into the stereotypic views of themselves. As a result they…
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…together. You don’t need to be bubbling with energy to express warmth and intimacy. Quiet acts of closeness go a long way to making you feel more alive toward your partner. 2. Calibrating boredom is a little less pleasant. In Goetz’s study, it was associated with “wandering thoughts, not knowing what to do, and a general openness to behaviors aimed at changing the situation.” Basically, you may be keeping your ears open for better options, but yo…
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…being is perfect, so finding someone who is approachable and receptive to feedback can be a huge asset to a lasting union. When someone is free-thinking and open-minded, it enables them to be forthright in expressing feelings, thoughts, dreams and desires, which allows you to truly know them. Their openness is also an indication of their interest in personal development and often contributes to the development of the relationship. Like perfect pe…
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…l Pointing out your flaws in a non-constructive way Withholding affection, intimacy, and empathy from you Being isolated and emotionally disconnected Codependency; not treating you as a separate person Reversing the victim role to place blame on you If you believe you are being emotionally abused, seek support through friends, family or a counselor. The help of these individuals in your life can help you come up with a plan to set boundaries, take…
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…therapist can also give solid relationship advice for couples on building intimacy and strengthening their communication and conflict resolution skills. If you are having issues with your spouse, a marriage therapist can help give solid relationship advice for couples. Marriage therapy can help even the most frustrated couples learn to love again. A counselor can teach you and your spouse how to communicate, build trust, and find joy in your rela…
Learn More…t relationships. Questioning your actions, recognizing the sources of your fears, and separating from self-destructive tendencies are perhaps the most vital steps to achieving true intimacy. Focus on Parenting The ways people were hurt as children have a direct influence on them as parents. Even those who received optimal care are victims of the emotional conflicts and shortcomings that simply come from our parents being human. To be the best pa…
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…you feeling loved and cared about (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Feelings of intimacy and closeness will be enhanced by your perception of your partner’s responsiveness to your wishes and needs (Algoe, Gable and Maisel, 2010). Just as gratitude inspires self-awareness and self-acceptance, it inspires those same attitudes toward your partner. Focusing on your partner’s positive qualities will also make you more attuned to your partner’s needs and wis…
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…o notice the people who we like and care about. Acknowledging them fosters intimacy and builds trust. But when is the last time you’ve reached out to someone who may be on the margins? This activity requires intent, but could be the difference between someone deciding that they matter or not. Esteem When we acknowledge others and their efforts, we are saying that we value them. This is a natural self-esteem booster. But when we ignore their endeav…
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