Attention husbands,

Your wife needs your touch. And I’m not just talking about sex, though she needs that too, I’m talking about intimacy beyond the bedroom.

I’m talking about reaching for her hand while you’re driving. Holding her hand and walking closely in public. Cuddling on the couch while watching TV. Pulling her close and kissing her passionately when she least expects it. Wrapping your arms around her and holding her just for the sake of being close with no other expectations. Pushing the hair back out of her eyes just so you can touch her face. 

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Women crave intimacy. We need to be touched and held and loved. Every day. And in doing this, it builds the bond and closeness we need for the relationship to thrive.

A lack of intimacy in everyday life only causes an emotional disconnect. It leaves us longing for more. We need you to show us how you feel regularly. Don’t just say I love you. Don’t just leave with a peck of a meaningless kiss. Don’t just show your affection when you’re hoping for sex and forget to show her the rest of the time.

Love is action, not words. So kiss her like you mean it. Don’t hold back on showing how much you love her. Every single day. In the small mundane moments. In the big ones too.

Never forget how much she needs your physical affection. And remember to be present. Give her your full attention. Listen closely and look her in the eyes. Hold her hand, touch her face, pull her close, and kiss her passionately. 

RELATED: Dear Husband, Kiss Your Wife Like You Mean it

I know life is busy and you’re tired and stressed and there are kids and bills and just life. I know in the midst of juggling it all, intimacy gets pushed to the back of your mind. You’re focused on your job and your kids and the bills and just surviving. 

It’s easy to forget that the woman you’re spending your life with . . . she was once a high priority in your life. She was once all you thought about. At a time you would have given anything for her.

So remember it now. And show her she’s still the love of your life. Show her she’s still a priority to you. That you think and care about her needs and wants.

Marriages often suffer when the intimacy dies out. So don’t let it. Love, passion, intimacy, respect, communication, honesty—these are the things that make a healthy, happy, lasting marriage. Don’t forget it.