I had a vision. I aimed to illustrate how regular intimacy can enhance a marriage. I was ready to outline all the reasons I eagerly embraced connection with my partner, thinking that our frequency in intimacy fostered happiness, increased support around the house, and helped us reminisce about simpler times. “He’s so much more engaged when he’s fulfilled,” I would assert. “It’s practically a scientific fact.”
Our intimate routine was reliable, occurring every other day. We pretended it was spontaneous because scheduling it felt mundane. It was like saying, “Oh, look! We just so happened to end up in bed together, 48 hours after our last encounter. How serendipitous!”
Then, life threw a curveball. Not the typical challenges of parenthood or sleepless nights, but rather significant upheavals: health crises, career shifts, and emotionally taxing events that felt like an earthquake.
In such intense circumstances, I tend to shut down. Stress manifests physically for me; my skin reacts, I develop canker sores, and my menstrual cycle becomes irregular—despite having undergone a procedure that rendered it nearly nonexistent. My body seemed to rebel.
Despite knowing that intimacy should be a priority for the sake of my marriage—on the same level as my children and self-care—when life became overwhelming, it plummeted to the bottom of my list. And I mean it dropped like a brick.
In a way, it makes sense biologically; who should be thinking about intimacy when they can’t even remember to wear clothes? Certainly not me. When crisis mode kicks in, intimacy isn’t on my agenda. Neither is personal hygiene.
I anticipated the unraveling of my marriage. I braced myself for my partner to become distant, for arguments to arise, for resentment to creep in—but none of that happened.
Instead, he reached out with tenderness. He offered me comforting gestures, brought me coffee, and held me even when I lacked the energy to reciprocate. He listened without rushing to fix everything and took action in countless small ways when I was too overwhelmed to express my needs.
He redirected the kids when I needed solitude, handled phone calls, and managed tasks without expecting anything in return. He ordered meals, stepped in, and offered support selflessly.
I had always believed that a fulfilling intimate life was the cornerstone of our strong marriage, but I was mistaken. The true foundation lies in a spirit of service and love. I came to understand just how deeply my partner cared for me during my toughest moments.
Perhaps all those moments of intimacy had truly built a strong connection; they certainly laid the groundwork for this support. If you’re looking for ways to boost fertility and nurture your relationship, you might want to check out this post about fertility supplements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, life’s challenges can shift priorities, but love and support can strengthen bonds beyond what intimacy alone can provide.