Intimacy

Intimacy is a very personal topic, but I feel it is one of the most important in a marriage.

Here are a couple things to remember:

1. Intimacy starts before the bedroom. It is really hard for women to feel loved if they aren't getting any physical touch outside of the bedroom. Women love to hold hands, receive hugs and kisses, and cuddle on the couch. Maybe your wife likes a simple touch on the arm when you're talking or a back massage. If those things are present, then when it is time to be intimate in the bedroom it is a continuation of that love that you've shown each other throughout the day. Women also need to feel respected and appreciated. What woman wants to make love to a man that has been rude and disrespectful all day? A way to stay conscience of this is at the end of each day evaluate how you treated your wife. Make plans or set goals on how to improve. You will see that by working on what you can control, it will make a difference in the things you can't control. 
2. Intimacy is more than just physical. Women need to feel safe and secure in their relationships. They want to know that their man loves them and wants to be with them in more than just the physical way. A simple way to establish that security is to do what you say you are going to do. If she sees you as someone who is dependable and makes her a priority, she'll feel safe and trust you.   
3. Give her some time to get ready. We've all heard it before but it's true, men are like stoves and women are like ovens; men can get turned on really fast while it takes women some time to pre-heat. So here is a simple suggestion. If you wife has been gone all day at work or has been running around with little ones, offer to clean up from dinner or put the little ones to bed while she takes a shower and can unwind. This will help her relax and be able to feel sexy and attractive. No woman wants to be intimate if she feels exhausted and undone.

One last note:

What happens in the bedroom is between you and your wife. Communicate your expectations with each other, your likes and dislikes, and express gratitude when appropriate. The more you focus on your spouse's needs and wants, the more loved she will feel.