You know, for years, my partner and I thought intimacy just *happened*. But life gets busy, and before you know it, that spark can start to dim. I remember feeling a bit lost, wondering 'how to be intimate' again, not just physically, but truly connected. That's when we realized we needed to be intentional, almost like setting goals for our relationship, just like we do for our careers or finances. It wasn't about grand gestures every day, but small, consistent efforts. For us, one game-changer was realizing intimacy isn't just about what happens in the bedroom (though that's important too!). It's about building that emotional closeness first. I used to think 'scheduling intimate time' sounded so unromantic, but honestly, it became our secret weapon. In our hectic lives, knowing that time was set aside, just for us, made it something to look forward to, not a chore. It helped us to 'Be excited to be intimate' rather than letting it fall by the wayside. We also learned the power of simple acts, like the OCR mentioned, 'Put your phones down.' It sounds so basic, but dedicating screen-free time, especially during meals or before bed, made a huge difference in how present we felt with each other. And 'Kiss each other like you mean it' – it’s a small touch, but those meaningful kisses throughout the day are little reminders of affection that stack up. It’s about cultivating an environment where both partners feel desired and cherished. The idea of a 'goal setting printable' really resonated with us because it pushed us to discuss things we often avoided. We used it to set not just intimate goals, but also 'date night goals.' We'd commit to trying a new restaurant once a month or simply having a movie night at home with no distractions. Communication goals were huge too. We started practicing active listening and making sure to genuinely ask about each other's day, not just as a formality. Even 'finance goals' made a surprising impact; when we were aligned on our money, it reduced a lot of underlying tension, freeing up emotional space for connection. One thing that really helped my partner and me was intentionally trying to 'Initiate once a week.' It created a sense of pursuit and desire that had faded. It wasn't about pressure, but about both of us feeling desired and making the effort for each other. And when you 'Tell your spouse you WANT them,' it’s incredibly affirming. Those words can really reignite the flame. If you're like us and looking to 'CHANGE your marriage intimacy this year,' I genuinely encourage you to explore setting these kinds of goals. It's not about perfection, but about consistent, loving effort. The free printable mentioned in the original post is a fantastic starting point. It helps you open those conversations and turn vague desires into actionable steps. And who knows, you might even find tools like the 'ultimate intimacy app' helpful for new ideas and connecting on a deeper level. It's truly amazing what a little intention can do for your relationship!