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Oct 26, 2020 · 11 Ways To Be Intimate Without Having Sex. You don't have to be between the sheets to share intimacy with your partner. Doing anything on this list together will bring you closer. From the...
Aug 13, 2024 · Non-sexual touch boosts oxytocin, enhancing emotional intimacy and sexual connection. Physical affection reduces stress, creating a safe space for deeper sexual intimacy.
- Overview
- Being Physically Intimate Without Intercourse
- Building Intimacy Without Sexual Contact
- Discussing Your Boundaries
When you think of being intimate with your partner, you might automatically think of having sex. But if you’re abstaining from sex, either for now or until marriage, going all the way might not be an option for you. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can increase your intimacy with your partner without ever having sex. For fun, flirty ways to feel connected with your significant other, keep reading!
Hold hands, kiss, and cuddle together to be physically intimate without having sex.
Give your partner a massage for a fun, sensual activity in bed.
Draw each other naked or hold a sexy boudoir photoshoot in the bedroom.
Touch each other in non-sexual ways.
, hug, or sit close to each other in bed. Enjoy touching and being close to one another without it having to go any further than that.
When you go to sleep,
with your partner to feel closer together.
Kiss each other, taking time to explore different ways of kissing. If you aren’t sure what to try next, have your partner name their favorite and try it out! You could try a French kiss, a lizard kiss, or even a Spiderman kiss.
Don’t take yourselves too seriously. Laugh when the kisses feel awkward! You’re building intimacy by experimenting with what works and doesn't work.
Play a board game in bed.
It can be fun just to sit in bed with your partner and do non-sexual things. Playing a board game is a great way to cozy up with your partner in bed without it turning into something sexual. You might try:
Sit next to each other fully clothed, propped up on pillows, and take turns reading to each other. You can even take turns choosing which book you read. How close you sit depends on your level of comfort.
If you’re worried about it turning sexual, try staying above the covers while sitting next to each other. You could also sit on opposite ends of the bed with only your feet touching.
You can read each other romantic stories for a sexy twist (and maybe to laugh at how cheesy they are).
Sitting in bed, listen to an album. Go over the lyrics. Sit close to each other and enjoy the closeness of your partner’s body, but don’t go further than simply holding hands or cuddling up close.
Define what being abstinent means to you.
Does it mean everything but sexual intercourse? Does it mean kissing and cuddling, but nothing else? Having clearly defined boundaries will make it easier for you and your partner to hold off on having sex until you’re both ready.
For instance, some people prefer to hold off on any sexual contact, while others are fine with doing everything except penetration.
Explore your own feelings about the relationship.
You might find it helpful to write these down on a piece of paper, in your journal, or in a text document on your computer. This is just for you, so don’t be afraid to be completely honest. Things to consider:
What would the perfect relationship be for you? Are you in it right now?
- Talk, but also listen. Part of intimacy is feeling heard. But it’s also important to listen. “Intimacy is a process of discovery with one another,” says Joel Bennett in his book, Time and Intimacy.
- Do something fun together. Date night is great, but have you ever gone to an amusement park with your partner, spent the day on a paddleboat, or even organized a picnic in the park?
- Hold hands. It sounds simple, and it is, but holding hands can bring intimacy to your relationship in a way you might not have considered. We’ve all seen older couples holding hands in public.
- Take it further and touch. No, we’re not talking about sex, but intentional touch. Holding hands is wonderful, but maybe you want more? Try giving your partner a back rub or a full-blown massage.
Jul 15, 2022 · Non-sexual touch is healing, calming, and important for connection—sexual or otherwise. Modern American culture may discourage non-sexual touch.
Aug 18, 2022 · Parents and children and even friends can develop non-sexual physical intimacy. This type of intimacy involves safe touch and proximity that can enhance feelings of emotional closeness....
Jun 28, 2024 · Physical intimacy includes physical touch (both sexual and non-sexual) such as intercourse, kissing, hugs, cuddling, sitting close together, or holding hands.
