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What's the best Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart? Chocolates? Sexy lingerie?
When it comes to boosting intimacy and increasing feelings of attachment, science says your best bet is not to give things but to do things together - things that cause the body to release the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin. That's the word from the co-authors of Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment. Keep clicking to see seven suggestions from Dr. Amir Levin and Rachel Heller...
Snuggle
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When you watch TV together, give the recliner a pass. Instead, sit with your partner on the sofa - so close that your bodies are touching.
Play Together
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Get out there with a ball or another plaything, and enjoy some rough-and-tumble play. Studies show that play can be a distraction that helps you the two of you lower your guard - and be more expressive of your love.
Read Out Loud
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The more "self-expansion" partners feel they get from each other, the greater their satisfaction and sense of commitment (and we're not talking expansion of the waistline!). Find ways to share the things you're passionate about. One great way is to read aloud to your partner a book or article that you find interesting.
Linger in Bed
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The iPad can wait. When you wake up on Sunday morning, spend a few minutes lingering in bed with your partner.
Take a Walking Tour
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Shared fun is a powerful way to build intimacy, and one of the best ways to have fun together is to take a walking tour. No need to travel - you can have great fun walking around your own city.
Set Aside Together Time
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Spend at least two hours a week alone together - just you and your partner. It doesn't matter where you go or what you do. Just make sure there are no children, technology, or work to distract you. Paradoxically, the more secure you feel in a relationship, the more important together time really is. It's easy to lose track of each other when you're so directed to other responsibilities.
Share Your Passion
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Passionate about helping underprivileged children? Rescuing animals? Whatever your passion, look for ways to share it with your partner. Volunteering together is one good way to do just that.
