Emotional intimacy doesn’t happen overnight — and it doesn’t grow without safety, trust, and intention. In this powerful conversation, Michael and Heather are joined by longtime friends Assad Saif and Summer Saif to unpack what emotional intimacy really is, why so many couples struggle to build it, and how it can be restored even after seasons of disconnection.Together, they explore how emotional intimacy is rooted in trust and commitment, why you can only connect as deeply as you’ve gone personally, and how small, consistent steps can rebuild safety in a marriage that feels stuck. The conversation breaks down practical tools like emotional “baby steps,” rebuilding trust incrementally, navigating personality differences, and using frameworks such as love maps to truly know your spouse — not just coexist with them.Assad and Summer also share vulnerable insights from their own marriage, including how therapy, faith, self-awareness, and communication rhythms have helped them move through conflict and deepen connection over time. From learning how to express emotions safely, to understanding how emotional safety impacts physical and spiritual closeness, this episode offers hope and clarity for couples at every stage.If you’ve ever felt emotionally distant, unsure how to reconnect, or afraid to open up again, this conversation reminds you that emotional intimacy is not a personality trait — it’s a skill that can be learned, practiced, and rebuilt with patience and grace.Don't know what your enneagram type is? Take the assessment for free on our website:https://imperfectlymarriedpodcast.com/Find us online:Website: https://imperfectlymarriedpodcast.com/Merch: https://imperfectlymarriedpodcast.com/storeInstagram: imperfectlymarried_thepodcast Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576918626044TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imperfectly_married