The Naked Truth | How to get over fear of intimacy: be open, patient and build trust over time to truly deepen your relationship
- Try to be in tune with what your other half needs most; the best way forward is to ask them – they may want to talk or just need some space
- Getting a partner to open up and talk about any sexual inadequacy they have, either real or perceived, is a delicate matter that can’t be rushed
It’s impossible to truly love someone without understanding them on a deeper level. Just like in a relationship, there can’t be genuine intimacy if both partners don’t share thoughts and feelings, as this is what fosters a connection.
True intimacy occurs when two people can reach deep into each other’s heart and soul, live with no pretence, and be sincerely vulnerable with each other.
But what if one person is holding back and refusing to open up and share? When one person holds back, then the relationship is unable to move forward.
So how do you get your partner to open up and unblock their emotions? Or even encourage them to confront old wounds with you?
According to Sonia Samtani, clinical hypnotherapist, life coach, and relationship and wellness coach, there needs to be mutual trust for them to feel safe to be vulnerable.
“Speaking about past pain requires someone to open up and allow you into their most intimate space. You need to create an extremely trusting environment. And most of all, your partner needs to trust that you are there to understand them, and not judge them,” she says.