Three Ways to build intimacy today

1. Be Curious: ask a question you have never asked this person before or ask them a familiar question and when they answer--pause--take a slow, deep breath, see them as if they are the most special creature in the universe and the only thing in your world right now. Take in their answer with full presence and allow yourself to get genuinely curious about their experience. Before responding with any of your thoughts, ask at least one follow-up question. 

2. Non-Verbal Linger: try expressing a positive feeling or emotion without words, either through touch or radiating the energy of that feeling like a broadcast signal throughout your body and the space around your body. Stay and linger for a few breaths beyond what you would normally be comfortable with and see what happens with the shared space and connection. 

3. Disclosure:  share something that you would normally keep hidden or avoid letting someone see or know. It could be as simple as narrating what is happening for you in a given moment, expressing a vulnerability, or offering an appreciation of something someone brings to your life.  

If any of these things feel hard in action or don't go the way you imagined, don't panic. Just name your expectations or feelings and talk about it together. Or reach out for some support to explore what's going on. And try to have a little fun, even if it feels like it could kill you--it won't!