Is it normal for intimacy to feel like another item on your to-do list? You love your partner, but between parenting, exhaustion, and unspoken resentment… desire can fade.

In this episode, we're unpacking why intimacy feels like an obligation — and how to shift the emotional and physical energy in your marriage so that you both actually want it again.

We share real stories, emotional dynamics, and practical shifts that help couples go from feeling like roommates to rekindling passion — even in the busiest seasons of life.

Topics we cover in this episode:

-Emotional disconnection vs desire

-Why frequency isn’t the real issue

-How to rebuild emotional and physical intimacy

-Shifting from “obligation” to “wanting” again

 

Relationship resources:

Ready to reconnect and reignite the spark? Join our 30-Day Special Edition Couples Challenge — The Best of Us (only open 3x a year):

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Episode timestamps:

00:00 – The real reason intimacy feels like a chore

00:28 – A typical day that drains your connection

01:28 – Intimacy isn’t just about frequency

02:08 – Emotional & physical disconnection = exhaustion

03:36 – Intimacy should fuel your life, not feel like an obligation

05:12 – What makes marriage different from other relationships

06:07 – Why passion fades (and how to bring it back)

07:06 – From obligatory intimacy to real desire

08:02 – The role of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion

10:17 – Are you ignoring intimacy too long?

11:03 – Hormones, life seasons & libido shifts

12:10 – How unresolved tension blocks intimacy

13:00 – Top 5 blocks to intimacy (from our survey)

14:04 – Is intimacy actually enjoyable for both of you?

15:09 – Why honest intimacy check-ins matter

15:48 – Emotional tone shift #1: warmth, eye contact & presence

17:00 – Emotional coldness kills desire

19:00 – Micro habits that warm up emotional intimacy

20:08 – Shift #2: Physical touch outside the bedroom

21:36 – Shift #3: Initiation & anticipation matter

23:35 – Why women must also participate in creating desire

25:06 – Dating energy vs marriage complacency

26:35 – Would your dating self get a “yes” today?

27:53 – Shift #4: Intimacy starts outside the bedroom

29:19 – Check-ins and parenting stress affect desire too

30:12 – The power of fun and play in rekindling intimacy

31:27 – Relaxation and play spark openness

32:18 – Why our “Best of Us” Challenge is perfect for this

33:03 – Intimacy should be enjoyable — not expected

33:35 – Stop forcing frequency. Focus on connection instead.

34:13 – Subscribe + get ready for our upcoming Q&A episode