A healthy marriage is not constructed on love only—it flourishes on emotional closeness and respect. Both these build trust, enhance bonding, and make couples feel really appreciated by each other. Here are 10 simple ways to enhance both, so your relationship can become even more intimate and satisfying.
10. Celebrate Each Other’s Successes
Taking the time to celebrate your partner’s success—big or small—indicates that you are proud of them and admire their efforts. It could be a promotion, completing a challenging project, or even just surviving a difficult day; celebrating it together strengthens trust and empathy. Grady Shumway says, “Celebrating each other’s accomplishments is a powerful way to show that you are proud of your partner.”
9. Express Appreciation and Compliments
Expressing gratitude for your partner’s efforts and qualities regularly is a low-key but effective method to build mutual respect. Gratitude and compliments make the two partners feel appreciated, and they affirm the good vibes that continue to nourish a relationship. When you see something positive, say something about it—don’t let such moments pass.
8. Apologize and Forgive
Taking responsibility for mistakes and offering forgiveness is an act of respect and emotional maturity. Nobody is perfect and makes no mistake at all, but apologizing and forgiving can restore trust and prevent resentment buildup. This is a two-way process—both parties should be willing to apologize and move on.
7. Avoid Criticism and Blame
It’s easy to become stuck in the blame game when things go awry, but criticism dissolves intimacy and respect. Instead, turn your attention to solving the problem together. Murray et al. state that “When partners are willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both of them, it shows they respect each other.”
6. Be Mindful of Each Other’s Feelings
Empathy forms the foundation of emotional intimacy. When your partner is distressed or is under stress, attempt to see things from their perspective and imagine how they feel. This type of emotional support enables both partners to freely communicate and feel secure in the relationship.
5. Share Household Chores and Responsibilities
There is nothing that says “I respect you” more than contributing equally at home. Sharing the mental and physical burden of household responsibilities prevents resentment and lets both partners feel cared for. Evidence mentioned by Elizabeth Earnshaw indicates that women tend to bear most of the cognitive household work, which can result in fatigue and detachment. Fencing tasks equally—both the seen chores and the unseen planning—makes a considerable difference.
4. Honor Personal Space and Alone Time
All individuals require time for themselves and their own interests to rejuvenate and replenish. Honoring your partner’s need for privacy and alone time demonstrates respect for their well-being. It also enables both individuals to hold onto their sense of self, which is crucial for a healthy relationship.
3. Encourage Each Other’s Goals and Dreams
Supporting each other’s aspirations and ambitions is an important aspect of mutual respect. Be it a change in profession, learning something new, or self-improvement, a supportive partner helps both partners grow. As quoted by Dr. Jennifer Jacobsen, “A supportive partner fosters an atmosphere where both partners can thrive, deepening the relationship through shared visions and teamwork in navigating life’s path.”
2. Communicate Honestly and Listen Actively
Open, honest communication forms the foundation of emotional intimacy and respect. It is a habit to share your thoughts and feelings, but to listen as well—really listen—when your partner does talk. Active listening involves giving your undivided attention, not interrupting, and acknowledging their feelings. This creates trust and makes both of you feel understood.
1. Make Emotional Intimacy a Priority
Most fundamentally, emotional intimacy is about being connected at the heart level. In the view of Barbara Rosberg, “The word ‘intimacy’ comes from a Latin word that means ‘innermost.’ What this translates into for those of us in the marriage relationship is a vulnerable sharing of our inner thoughts, feelings, spirit, and true self.” Emotional intimacy is established by having frequent heart-to-heart talks, empathy, and vulnerability. When both individuals are comfortable sharing their innermost beings, the marriage is a real partnership—a place where both individuals are loved and respected.
Creating emotional intimacy and respect isn’t about big dramatic gestures—it’s about the everyday decisions you make to be present for each other, listen, back each other up, and share the burden. These are the routines that make a good marriage a great one.