Jelena Dincic
The truth about intimacy is that it isn’t just one thing.
Sure, it can be described as a closeness or deep connection between two people. However, it can be physical, emotional, and even spiritual.
As you and your partner get to know one another, you might start to get the feeling that there’s something they want from you, but what?
Communication in a relationship isn’t always straightforward, especially when things are new.
Often, people desire more intimacy from their partners, but they don’t know how to ask for it or they don’t feel comfortable stating their wishes out loud.
So how can you know your partner wants to be more intimate? After all, you’re not a mind reader!
Here’s how – by taking a close look at their behavior.
Here are 15 subtitle signs your partner craves more intimacy from you.
Let’s jump right in:
Physical intimacy
1) Increased physical contact
Have you noticed that your partner is initiating more physical contact than usual?
It can be anything from giving you a big long hug when they see you, to holding your hand when you’re out, to cuddling in front of the TV…
What they’re doing is looking for an excuse to touch you, a subtle but clear sign that they crave more physical intimacy from you.
Now, I don’t know what stage you’ve reached in your relationship, but one thing’s for certain, they’re ready for more.
2) Playful teasing
Flirtatious remarks, playful nudges, tackling you to the ground, and tickling you, are just a few examples of playful teasing that usually signal one partner’s desire for increased physical intimacy.
It’s kind of like when you were a kid and you liked someone but were too scared to tell them – remember?
But there’s more!
There are good-natured jabs, accompanied by a twinkle in the eye or a subtle touch, playful attempts to bridge the gap between casual banter and a more intimate connection.
That’s because affectionate and playful teasing works to create a safe and comfortable space for both partners to explore the idea of deepening their physical closeness without directly addressing it.
3) Expressive body language
Often, what isn’t being expressed with words is being expressed through body language.
Many people take body language for granted, but it can be a powerful communication tool, and not just when it comes to intimacy.
Body language reveals whether someone is trustworthy, friendly, shy, angry, and yes, flirtatious.
That’s why paying attention to your partner’s body language will reveal if they crave more intimacy from you.
Simply put, if they lean in close when talking to you, gaze into your eyes for prolonged periods of time, put their arm around you, or place their hand on your knee, they’re saying “I want you”.
4) Verbal clues
They may not come out and say, “I want sex” but they may drop some hints and make some comments that suggest a desire for more physical closeness, so pay attention.
Phrases like, “I’ve been feeling lonely lately” or “I miss being close to you” can be their way of telling you they desire more physical intimacy.
They may also make positive remarks about your physical appearance and tell you, “Wow, you look so darn hot” to express their desire.
Finally, they may initiate conversations about intimacy, discussing preferences, desires, and fantasies. That’s their way of telling you they want to explore and enhance the physical aspect of your relationship.
5) Increased affection
If you find yourself saying, “Hey what’s gotten into you?” as your partner gets surprisingly affectionate with you, it could be another subtle sign.
This could be anything from them telling you how much they love you and how much you mean to them, to showering you with hugs and kisses whenever they see you.
Emotional intimacy
6) The talk gets real
One of the most common signs that your partner is craving more emotional intimacy is when they start to open up to you.
They’ll start to talk about their past relationships, discuss their childhoods, and tell you about their plans for the future.
But that’s not all!
They’ll expect you to open up as well, and to that end, they’ll ask you a bunch of questions about your past and plans for the future.
7) Vulnerability
So, in the point above, I mentioned that your partner will start to open up to you.
Well, as they share their hopes and dreams with you, you’ll find that they’ll also tell you about stuff that’s personal, stuff they don’t tell just anyone.
That’s because they feel you’ve reached a point in your relationship where it’s safe to share personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They trust you and hope to grow closer to you.
8) Need for quality time
Here’s the thing: Your partner’s desire for more quality time together could indicate a longing for increased emotional intimacy.
As for what is considered to be quality time, well, it changes from couple to couple.
For some people, it could be a romantic dinner, just the two of them, where they spend hours in deep conversation. For others, it could be a weekend getaway. And yet for others still, it could be as simple as playing board games all evening, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
The point is to be together and present in the moment that you share.
9) Heightened sensitivity
If you’re wondering why your partner has suddenly become super sensitive and has started to withdraw, it could have something to do with the fact that they don’t feel emotionally close to you.
You’ll find that they’ll say stuff like, “Fine, go out with your friends.” or “Don’t worry about it, I’ll just have dinner by myself.”
They’re feeling rejected and vulnerable.
They need reassurance of your connection. But because they haven’t said it in so many words, you might be confused and unsure of how to react.
10) Seeking your approval
Yet another sign that your partner is looking for emotional intimacy is the fact that they’ll start asking for your advice and opinions on all sorts of matters.
Their need for your input and your approval springs from their desire to be close to you.
Basically, they really want to be part of your world, and getting your advice as well as approval is one aspect of that.
Spiritual intimacy
11) Increased interest in spiritual topics
One of the subtle signs your partner wants to be more spiritually intimate is their sudden interest in discussing spiritual and philosophical subjects.
That means that they’ll bring up various topics like meditation, religion, and personal growth.
They’ll want to discuss the big question – “the meaning of life” – with you and see where you stand.
All this is part of their desire to feel closer to you.
12) Desire for shared spiritual practices
Another sign is your partner’s desire to engage in spiritual activities together.
Here are some examples:
- They ask you if you’re interested in mediation and if you want to try it together.
- They ask you if you want to join their yoga class.
- They ask you if you want to explore a new religious or spiritual community with them.
- They ask you if you’ve ever had your palm read and if you wanna go to a psychic together.
Whatever it is, this desire for shared spiritual experiences is a clear indicator they’re longing to connect with you on a deeper and spiritual level.
13) Changes in personal habits
Subtle changes in your partner’s daily habits could suggest a quest for spiritual growth.
Dedicating more time to self-reflection, reading spiritual and self-help literature, and incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life, it all suggests that your partner is on a spiritual journey.
If it’s something they keep on discussing with you, it’s because they’re looking for understanding and support.
14) Expressing a desire for connection with nature
- “Do you want to go hiking this weekend?”
- “I want to volunteer at the wolf sanctuary. Are you in?”
A heightened interest in spending time in nature, finding peace and connection outdoors, or expressing a desire to spend time with animals, all suggest a spiritual yearning for a deeper connection with the environment and a desire to share these experiences with you.
15) Need for meaning and purpose
Finally, when your partner starts talking about their desire to have a more meaningful life and to figure out their purpose, it’s because they’re looking to be more spiritually intimate with you.
They may start questioning the direction their life has taken or mention their desire to pursue a new path.
That’s because seeking a sense of purpose is usually intertwined with spiritual exploration.
And guess what?
They’re hoping that sharing all this with you will bring you closer together.
