Making love might feel like the most intimate thing you can do with your partner, but there are so many other ways to bond. In fact, some of these are actually best done just after a wild session in the sack to bring you even closer and enrich your relationship.
- Laugh about something silly. Maybe you kicked a lamp off the side-table during the act. Maybe you’re thinking that the neighbors heard everything you just did. Whatever it is, find something to laugh about together. It’s a great way to boost your closeness and lighten the mood. Next time you might even laugh during l0ve-making, which is awesome.
- Get something to eat. A hot love-making session has left you both ravenous, so go on and make a delicious sandwich together or grab that leftover pizza and bring it back to bed. Yum. You could even take this one step further and feed each other for a romantic touch.
- Have a bath. Forget having a quick shower – bathing together is really sensual. It’s great to do after the deed because the simple act of cleaning each other can really increase your bond. Soak in the tub on a regular basis and your overall intimacy will be boosted.
- Cuddle. You might think this is the last thing your partner wants to do, but he might surprise you! Cuddling is great because it means the end of love-making doesn’t have to result in the end of physical closeness. It’s sort of like the last page in an amazing book — it helps to complete your enjoyment before you both go on with your day.
- Have a nap. You’ve slept together, but now you get to really sleep. There’s nothing more romantic than falling asleep on your partner’s chest or waking up to the sight of them looking all dazed and content. It’s sure to get those endorphins pumping.
- Enjoy after-act intimacy. You enjoyed having a little ramp-up before the deed, but now you can enjoy tamer, but just as sensual, afterthoughts. This could include kissing, gently stroking each other’s bodies, or giving each other a massage with oils. It’s a great way to wind down, but it also strengthens your relationship. An Archives of Sxual Behavior study found that partners who show each other affection after making love have more satisfying intimate relationships as well as all-round relationship satisfaction.
- Give each other props. You might want to mention how hot your boyfriend looked in the sack when he grabbed your hair or some other thing he did that brought you to your peak. Whatever it is, giving your partner some kudos afterward is a great way to boost their confidence and satisfaction while feeling closer to them. Opening up about your experiences is also a good way to increase your bedroom satisfaction in future.
- Walk around with no clothes. Don’t be so quick to put your clothes back on! Walking around without them, whether it’s to the kitchen to grab a snack or to the bathroom for a bubble bath, is a great way to increase intimacy. Because, even though you’ve made love, you might not have really looked at your partner’s — or your —body, so now’s the time to be open and comfortable. It’s scary at first but really satisfying. Besides, when you feel more confident in your body, this will also increase your bedroom satisfaction.
- Fantasize. You’ve had amazing love-making, so why not leave your partner with something steamy to look forward to the next time you do it, like a preview of coming attractions? Talk about what you can try next time around or things you’d both be keen to experiment in the sack. It’s a great way to keep that bond and anticipation going, while ensuring your intimate life remains exciting.
- Talk about something else. If you’re both in the mood, why not have a conversation after love-making, when you’re mellow and feeling connected? Sometimes doing it opens the way for greater intimacy, like sharing about your lives, dreams, hopes and fears in a relaxed setting. Obviously, avoid potential arguments — now’s not the time to moan about how your partner still hasn’t fixed the bathroom sink.
- Stare into space. The intimacy was mind-blowing so all you can do is stare at the ceiling, and keep looking at each other and saying “wow” every now and then. Don’t try to fill this quiet time with talk — just enjoy the rush of endorphins and the feeling of being dazed. Just lying there getting your heartrates back to normal can feel like you’re bonding because you’re in the moment and acknowledging the amazing intimacy you’ve just shared.
- Go for round two. On the other hand, instead of talking or eating, perhaps you want to jump right into another round of love-making. And why shouldn’t you? You’re sure to experience an even closer bond after another session of pleasure, so enjoy it.