I found a beautiful quote from an Instagram post. It says, “the closest thing you would get to someone is through intimacy.”
The statement reflects the unique bond and connection that the couple has.
Something that makes the romantic relationship too personal to explain. That’s when you give yourself to someone who is also sure of you.
Being intimate with someone, especially for married couples, is a blessing for their blossoming mutual love.
But have you ever wondered if one day, both of you will stop being intimate with each other?
Intimacy is not always performed by couples.
However strong their relationship may be. There are individual reasons as to why it was paused.
Whatever the reasons may be, pausing the intimacy is normal.
The long pause affects your body, and couples should notice these signs:
High Stress Levels
Getting intimate with someone can release hormones like endorphins and oxytocin.
These chemicals help our body experience the relaxation and calmness we need.
Thus, allowing our stress to be at low levels. When we pause intimacy, it makes our bodies feel stressed and restless.
It is not the “moment” that we have missed, but the hormones released after being intimate.
If getting intimate is paused, you can still release those relaxing hormones through hugs, laughter, and exercise.
Intimacy releases calming chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins. These help your body relax.
Mood Shifting
Getting regular intimacy helps normalize our mood levels, become emotionally stable, and relaxed at times.
Having a paused intimacy gives us irritation and mood swings due to the adjustment felt by our brain.
To avoid these mood shifts from affecting our dealings with others, we may prioritize self-care and getting emotional support from friends during the intimacy pause.
Changes in Sleeping Pattern
Many couples treat intimacy as part of their routine to sleep better. It helps their bodies get a more relaxed feeling during their sleep.
When the intimacy is paused, some couples may experience changes in their sleeping pattern.
Instead of fully depending on intimacy to get a great sleep, practice some healthy habits that allow you to sleep easily.
This includes getting some light exercise or reducing their screen time before bedtime.
Immunity is Currently Down
Some studies figured that when the intimacy is paused, immune health might be down for some time.
This phenomenon exists because the body is yet to adjust to the lack of intimacy. Having some challenging moments to look for an alternative way to strengthen itself.
That’s why you must prioritize doing some nutritional checks, quality sleep, stress management, and a workout routine to achieve consistently high immunity levels.
It Craves You for More
It’s not surprising anymore that when intimacy has stopped, some partners might crave it intermittently.
But the craving will get louder the longer it has been stopped.
This is the body’s normal response to a habit that has been stopped from its daily routine.
Instead of letting your desire for intimacy dominate you, there are great activities that best provide you with a temporary solution to combat the need for one.
Workout, get some nature therapy, or hang out for an emotional connection are great ways to deal with it.
Emotional Disconnection
The paused intimacy or the lack of it can also cause some emotional disconnection between the couple.
It can make the relationship worse or can lead to further misunderstanding.
Avoid that at all costs by having honest, open, and direct communication with each other. Listen to each other’s sentiments and tell them your need for intimacy if possible.
In that way, your needs and your partner’s doubts can be met with assurance or stability.
Self-Doubt
The lack of intimacy can cause self-doubt in some partners.
They would often ask themselves if they have given enough performance, sustaining both of their needs, and might ask for assurance on your mutual connection.
It’s normal, as some might develop insecurity with themselves over time. Be the understanding, communicative, and caring partner as much as you can.
Partners wanted to be listened to, seen, and assured. In short, you must also reciprocate strong emotional support for them.
It’s because intimacy and emotional support are two of the essential tools you need to keep the relationship burning with mutual love and respect.
Why Does it Happen?
Your body’s reaction to the lack or pause in intimacy is normal.
It is one way your body is telling itself it needs to adjust to the habit it lost.
That’s the reason why your system is acting up for a lack or paused intimacy.
Your body adapts to the lack or pause in intimacy by doing other healthy habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
But remember, being intimate with someone should always be a personal choice.
It’s not a regular requirement. One way to show one’s deep affection for someone you truly and fully love.