Intimacy in the Bedroom with these Pre-Game Rituals

Intimacy is the foundation of a good and fulfilling romantic relationship. Most couples, however, struggle to become more intimate and feel rushed or disconnected during sex. Just as sports champions prepare for the big game through pre-game rituals, couples can create rituals that foster emotional closeness. These rituals build anticipation and make sex a more fulfilling experience in the bedroom. The following are some powerful pre-game rituals that can create more intimacy and connection between partners. Following the advice below, there should never be a reason to struggle in the bedroom.

Emotional Check-In: Aligning Your Energies

Spend a few minutes before engaging in physical intimacy to check in emotionally. Take a few minutes to talk about your day, how you love each other, and how you feel. 

This emotional check-in dispels any lingering stress, miscommunications, or emotional blocks that could affect your connection. Some of the ways to do this are:

• Sitting face to face and asking each other, “How are you feeling today?”
• Being grateful for something your partner has done in the past
• Discussing any remaining issues so that both partners are heard and understood

Being honest and open with one another creates a safe space where both partners feel valued and emotionally connected.

Non-Sexual Touch: Building Anticipation

Physical closeness doesn’t necessarily begin in the bedroom. Non-sexual touch during the day builds connection and anticipation. 

Touch is an intense love language that creates feelings of intimacy and trust. Some examples of how to include non-sexual touch are:

• Holding hands when walking or sitting together
• Massaging or giving each other back rubs
• Hugging for a minimum of 20 seconds, as this releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone”
• Softly tracing fingers along your partner’s hair or stroking their arm

These small caresses give a sense of safety and security, so physical closeness is a normal extension of your relationship and not something rushed or expected.

Setting the Right Mood

The atmosphere plays a critical role in setting the mood for increased intimacy. Taking some time to create a warm and sensual atmosphere can be a game-changer. Consider the following factors:

• Lighting: Soft lighting, such as candles or low-watt lamps, creates a calming and inviting atmosphere.
• Scent: Lavender or sandalwood-scented essential oils, scented candles, or linen sprays can enhance the sensory experience.
• Music: A thoughtful playlist of relaxing or sensual music can help you relax and become more present.
• Comforting Bedding: Fresh sheets, plush blankets, and a clutter-free room provide a calming and inviting ambiance.

You establish a setting that facilitates emotional and physical closeness by creating your space into a sanctuary.

Doing Mindful Breathing Together

Breathing together while exercising brings each partner closer to the present and closer to each other on an emotional level. Mindful breathing relieves tension, relaxes the body more profoundly, and carries energies to vibrational frequencies. Try this breathing exercise:

• Sit or lie so that you’re facing your partner.
• Close your eyes and breathe in through the nose, hold it for a moment, and exhale very slowly.
• Re-sync your breath so you breathe in and out with each other.
• Place one hand on the other person’s chest and feel the rise and fall of one another’s breathing.

This tiny exercise creates a sense of union. It brings the partners more into the present before deeper intimacy.

Foreplay Beyond the Physical

Foreplay is not just physical touch—it’s also emotional and mental. And foreplay can intensify intimacy with activities that build anticipation and arousal. Some creative ideas to enhance a deeper connection prior to actual intimacy are as follows:

• Love Letters or Notes: Write a short, genuine note with your emotions or appreciation and place it where your partner will find it.
• Eye Gazing: Sit close and stare silently into each other’s eyes for a few minutes. This enhances deep emotional intimacy and openness.
• Verbal Affirmations: Whispering compliments or flattering words can strengthen intimacy and self-assurance.
• Reading Together: Reading erotic poetry or a section of a love novel can create desire and stimulate mental activity.

These exercises encourage emotional intimacy and amplify the foreplay prior to physical intimacy.

Playful and Fun Activities

Humor and playfulness are stepping stones to building a stronger connection. Experiencing play and humor together creates an optimistic emotional bonding that draws others near. Examples of playful pre-game rituals include:

• Dancing Together: Break out your tune and dance throughout the living room or bedroom, allowing yourselves to get goofy and uninhibited.
• Playful Teasing: Playingfully teasing each other with words or touch will add excitement.
• Preparing a Meal Together: Preparing a meal and taking bites together is a healthy and enjoyable way to connect.
• Watching a Romantic or Comedic Film: Laughing together or sharing tears while watching a movie can relax and connect both partners.

Playfulness provides a natural and effortless path to intimacy. It reduces performance nervousness and makes the physical connection more enjoyable.

Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness

Gratitude and consciousness help to create appreciation for each other and deepen intimacy on a level higher than physical. 

Spending a few minutes sharing what you appreciate about your partner can shift the energy in your relationship. Make these simple gratitude exercises a habit:

• Take turns saying three things you love about each other before intimacy.
• Keep a shared journal where you write appreciation notes and read them to each other.
• Reflect on a special memory together and share why it was so special.

Exercising gratitude and mindfulness reinforces the emotional connection that creates closeness.

Key Takeaway

Intimacy is not just physical closeness—it’s also an emotional, mental, and energetic connection. By adding pre-play rituals, the couple can build anticipation, become emotionally intimate, and add value to the bedtime experience. 

These rituals—emotional check-ins, sensual touch, mindful breathing, playfulness, and gratitude—help partners build a long, passionate relationship.

When both try to nurture their bond before intimate activity, they lay the groundwork for a great relationship. They can bring more prosperous, passionate experiences that enhance the relationship. 

Regularly incorporating these rituals into your relationship can build a foundation of trust, love, and emotional closeness. This bond infuses the bedroom but extends far beyond it to all your other relationship pursuits.