Forging Deep Emotional Intimacy: Fifteen Strategies for Relational Enhancement

The cultivation of enduring and deeply fulfilling romantic relationships is not a matter of chance, but rather a deliberate and sustained process. While initial attraction may feel spontaneous, the maintenance of lasting intimacy necessitates conscious effort and a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics. This article presents fifteen evidence-based strategies designed to facilitate the development and strengthening of robust emotional connections within romantic partnerships. We will explore these strategies through the lens of relevant communication theories, attachment styles, and relational maintenance models.

1. Facilitating Empathetic Communication: Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of any flourishing relationship. This involves employing principles of active listening and validating communication, as outlined in the transactional analysis model. Partners should engage in open, honest dialogue, prioritizing empathy and demonstrating a genuine understanding of each other’s emotional experiences. Vulnerability, expressed with kindness, becomes a potent tool for relationship healing and strengthening. This approach aligns with Gottman’s research emphasizing the importance of positive communication in marital success.

2. The Practice of Active Listening: Truly listening goes beyond mere auditory reception; it involves fully attending to one’s partner’s verbal and nonverbal cues. This includes maintaining eye contact, offering affirmative feedback (nodding, verbal affirmations), and formulating thoughtful responses that demonstrate genuine interest. Applying Rogers’ person-centered approach, active listening fosters trust and deepens emotional understanding by showcasing genuine empathy and validating the partner’s perspective.

3. Shared Accomplishments and Mutual Support: Celebrating each other’s successes, both large and small, is crucial for cultivating a supportive relational environment. This act of mutual affirmation strengthens the sense of shared journey and fosters a positive feedback loop, aligning with social exchange theory, where positive interactions reinforce the relationship. Acting as each other’s primary cheerleaders strengthens individual self-esteem and enhances collective well-being within the partnership.

4. Prioritizing Quality Couple Time: Regularly scheduled, uninterrupted periods dedicated to meaningful interaction are essential for relational sustenance. These may include romantic dinners, leisure activities, or simply quiet moments of shared intimacy. These focused interactions facilitate deeper emotional connection and enhance relational satisfaction, consistent with the investment model which suggests increased time investment correlates with increased commitment.

5. Creating Shared Narratives and Experiences: Engaging in joint activities that both partners enjoy generates shared memories and strengthens the relational bond. This shared history, whether through collaborative cooking, travel adventures, or recreational pursuits, becomes a source of collective identity and reinforces a sense of “we-ness,” supporting the attachment theory’s notion of secure base and safe haven.

6. The Significance of Affectionate Gestures: Small, thoughtful gestures and unexpected acts of kindness, such as handwritten notes, surprise gifts, or spontaneous outings, serve to maintain relational vitality. These actions demonstrate care and appreciation, enhancing feelings of love and connection. These behaviors align with the principle of reciprocity in social exchange theory, where positive actions elicit positive responses.

7. Cultivating Gratitude and Appreciation: Regularly expressing gratitude for both large and small actions reinforces feelings of value and strengthens the emotional bond. This practice acknowledges the partner’s contributions and enhances overall relationship satisfaction, reflecting the principles of positive psychology in relational contexts.

8. Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity: Sharing personal fears, insecurities, and aspirations cultivates a profound sense of intimacy. Vulnerability fosters reciprocity and trust, leading to a deeper understanding of each other. This aligns with the self-expansion model, suggesting that intimacy increases through shared experiences and self-disclosure.

9. Harnessing the Power of Shared Humor: Shared laughter serves as a potent bonding agent, enhancing positivity and reducing stress within the relationship. Engaging in humorous interactions, whether through storytelling, watching comedies, or simply enjoying each other’s company, cultivates a positive and lighthearted relational atmosphere. This is in line with the concept of positive affect in relationship satisfaction.

10. Developing Forgiveness and Relational Repair: Mistakes are inevitable in any relationship. Cultivating forgiveness and minimizing resentment is crucial for maintaining intimacy. Focusing on healing and moving forward together builds relational resilience, a cornerstone of successful long-term relationships.

11. Supporting Personal Growth and Aspirations: Encouraging and supporting each other’s individual goals and ambitions fosters mutual growth and strengthens the relationship. Celebrating successes and offering unwavering support during challenges demonstrates commitment and partnership, reflecting interdependence theory’s emphasis on mutual support.

12. The Importance of Physical Intimacy: Physical touch, including hugs, kisses, and cuddles, stimulates the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of connection and intimacy. Physical affection is a vital component of relational well-being.

13. Cultivating Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Developing the capacity to understand one’s partner’s perspective without judgment facilitates open communication and deep emotional understanding. Empathy fosters a sense of validation and support, strengthening the bond. This is essential in managing conflict constructively, in line with the conflict resolution models.

14. Maintaining Romantic Engagement: Nurturing the romantic aspect of the relationship involves planning special dates, expressing affection creatively, and engaging in romantic getaways. These acts of intentionality reinforce commitment and rekindle passion.

15. Commitment to Consistent Effort: Building deep emotional intimacy is an ongoing process, not a singular achievement. Consistent effort, patience, and understanding are necessary for fostering a lasting and deeply fulfilling relationship. This aligns with the concept of relational maintenance, emphasizing the ongoing work needed for successful relationships.

Conclusions and Recommendations: The cultivation of profound emotional intimacy requires consistent effort, mutual respect, and a dedication to nurturing the relational bond. The fifteen strategies presented provide a framework for building a thriving, deeply intimate relationship. Further research could investigate the differential effects of these strategies across various cultural contexts and relationship stages. The practical applicability of these strategies extends beyond romantic relationships, informing the development of healthy interpersonal dynamics in various social contexts. Interventions based on these strategies could be developed and tested to enhance relationship quality and promote relational well-being in diverse populations. The integration of these strategies into relationship education programs could significantly contribute to strengthening relationships and promoting healthier interpersonal dynamics in society.

Reader Pool: Considering the presented strategies and their theoretical underpinnings, what additional factors or contextual variables might significantly influence the effectiveness of these approaches in fostering deep emotional intimacy?

15 Strategies for Enhancing Relational Communication and Intimacy

Strong, enduring relationships are predicated on two fundamental pillars: effective communication and profound emotional connection. In contemporary society’s fast-paced environment, cultivating these foundational elements necessitates deliberate effort and unwavering commitment to mutual understanding and growth. This article presents fifteen evidence-based strategies designed to foster lasting bonds characterized by love, trust, and mutual respect. We will explore how to cultivate deeper intimacy and understanding within partnerships, creating a secure and supportive relational haven.

1. The Principle of Active Listening and Empathetic Understanding: Effective communication begins with active listening, a cornerstone of relational success. This involves giving one’s partner undivided attention, minimizing distractions, maintaining genuine eye contact, and demonstrating a sincere effort to understand their perspective before formulating a response. Active listening, informed by empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another – creates a safe space for open emotional expression, building trust and strengthening the communicative foundation of the relationship. This aligns with the principles of person-centered therapy, emphasizing the importance of unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding in fostering healthy communication. In practice, this means truly hearing your partner’s concerns, validating their feelings, and responding with thoughtful consideration, rather than immediately offering solutions.

2. Prioritizing Quality Time and Shared Experiences: Dedicated time together is crucial for relational maintenance and growth. Scheduling regular quality time, free from distractions, strengthens relational bonds. Shared activities, whether novel experiences or familiar routines, create positive memories and foster feelings of intimacy. This approach is supported by social exchange theory, which posits that relationships are sustained through mutual benefits and rewarding interactions. Concretely, this translates to regular date nights, planned weekend getaways, or even simply dedicating an hour each evening for uninterrupted conversation.

3. Decoding and Utilizing Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal cues—body language, tone of voice, and physical touch—often convey meaning more powerfully than words. Becoming attuned to these nonverbal signals demonstrates attentiveness and enhances understanding, strengthening relational intimacy. This aligns with the principles of nonverbal communication research, which highlights the significant impact of unspoken cues on interpersonal interactions. For instance, observing subtle shifts in body language can reveal underlying emotions that may not be explicitly expressed, leading to a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the partner’s perspective.

4. Employing “I” Statements for Constructive Communication: “I” statements foster responsibility and avoid assigning blame. Phrasing concerns as personal feelings (“I feel hurt when…”) rather than accusations (“You always…”) promotes productive dialogue and mitigates defensiveness. This principle is rooted in communication skills training and conflict resolution strategies. In practice, this involves replacing accusatory language with descriptive statements that focus on the speaker’s feelings and experiences, creating a more receptive environment for constructive dialogue.

5. Challenging Assumptions and Promoting Transparency: Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Actively seeking clarification through open-ended questions, rather than making assumptions about a partner’s thoughts or feelings, strengthens transparency and trust. This approach aligns with the principles of communication clarity and assertive communication, emphasizing the importance of direct, unambiguous expression and seeking mutual understanding. In practice, this means regularly checking in with your partner to ensure shared understanding and avoiding making presumptions about their motivations or intentions.

6. Cultivating Patience and Understanding: Effective communication is a continuous process, not a destination. Patience is paramount in navigating the complexities of relational dynamics. Acknowledging that growth and learning take time fosters tolerance and strengthens the commitment to mutual growth. This aligns with the principles of long-term relationship maintenance, emphasizing the importance of resilience and commitment in facing inevitable challenges. In real-life terms, this requires understanding that disagreements are natural and resolving conflict may take time and effort.

7. Expressing Appreciation and Acknowledging Contributions: Regularly expressing gratitude and acknowledging both large and small contributions strengthens positive behaviors and reinforces the relational bond. This aligns with positive reinforcement principles from behavioral psychology, highlighting the importance of rewarding positive actions to strengthen desired behaviors. In practice, this translates to expressing sincere appreciation for daily acts of kindness, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments, however small.

8. Equitable Distribution of Responsibilities: Fairly distributing household tasks and responsibilities fosters a sense of partnership and prevents resentment. This reflects principles of equity theory, which suggests that relationships are stable when both partners perceive a balance in contributions and rewards. In application, this necessitates open communication regarding household responsibilities and ensuring equitable distribution of workload to minimize feelings of being overburdened or undervalued.

9. The Power of Thoughtful Gestures and Acts of Kindness: Unexpected acts of kindness, however small, demonstrate care and affection. These gestures, whether a thoughtful gift or a simple gesture, reinforce positive emotions and strengthen the relational bond. This aligns with the principles of relational maintenance, suggesting that small acts of affection and appreciation significantly contribute to relationship satisfaction. Examples include leaving a loving note, preparing a favorite meal, or simply offering a heartfelt compliment.

10. Minimizing Technological Distractions and Prioritizing Focused Time: Consciously limiting technological distractions, such as phones and screens, creates opportunities for more focused interaction and deeper connection. This reflects the growing concern about the impact of technology on relational intimacy. In practice, designating specific times or locations as “tech-free zones” allows for more present and engaged communication. This could involve setting aside an hour each day for uninterrupted conversation or agreeing not to use electronic devices during mealtimes.

11. Honesty, Transparency, and Vulnerability: Open and honest communication, even about difficult topics, builds trust and strengthens intimacy. Vulnerability—sharing one’s true self—is a key component of relational growth and connection. This emphasizes the importance of transparency and authenticity in fostering strong and healthy relationships. In practice, this means being willing to share feelings and experiences, even if they are uncomfortable, and creating a safe space for both partners to express their true selves without fear of judgment.

12. Showing Genuine Interest and Supporting Personal Growth: Showing sincere interest in a partner’s hobbies, aspirations, and personal growth strengthens the emotional bond and creates a sense of shared purpose. This supports the relational growth model, which suggests that partners who support each other’s individual development cultivate stronger relationships. Concretely, this involves actively listening to your partner’s interests, attending their events, and offering support and encouragement for their goals.

13. The Importance of Forgiveness and Conflict Resolution: Forgiveness is crucial for resolving conflicts and preventing resentment from undermining the relationship. Effective conflict resolution involves addressing issues directly, without resorting to blame or defensiveness. This aligns with the principles of restorative justice, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and rebuilding trust after conflict. In practice, this may involve actively listening to your partner’s perspective, expressing empathy, and working together to find mutually acceptable solutions.

14. Collaborative Goal Setting and Shared Aspirations: Setting and working toward shared goals fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, solidifying commitment. This concept aligns with the notion of shared identity in relational dynamics, emphasizing the importance of shared values and goals in strengthening the relational bond. This may include setting financial goals, planning future travel, or working together on home improvement projects.

15. Seeking Professional Guidance When Needed: Recognizing the limits of one’s ability to address relational challenges and seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a healthy relationship. This aligns with the principles of seeking support and recognizing the value of professional guidance in navigating complex relational issues. In practice, this could involve seeking couples therapy or individual counseling to gain insights and develop skills to address persistent relational conflicts.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Building and maintaining strong relationships requires consistent effort, understanding, and a commitment to continuous growth. The strategies outlined above, grounded in established relational and communication theories, provide a practical framework for enhancing intimacy and fostering effective communication. The application of these strategies, tailored to individual relationship contexts, can lead to increased relational satisfaction, enhanced conflict resolution skills, and deeper emotional connections. Further research could explore the effectiveness of these strategies across diverse cultural contexts and relationship types, investigating the impact of specific interventions on various relational outcomes, such as communication satisfaction, relational stability, and overall well-being. The findings of such research could inform the development of targeted interventions and relationship education programs, maximizing their effectiveness and contributing to a deeper understanding of successful long-term relationships. Furthermore, investigating the differential impact of specific strategies across different relationship stages and personality types could provide valuable insights into personalized relationship maintenance and enhancement.

Reader Pool: Considering the presented strategies, what additional factors or approaches do you believe contribute significantly to the long-term success and overall well-being of romantic relationships?

15 Strategies for Rebuilding Trust and Security in Relationships Following a Setback

Relational setbacks, characterized by breaches of trust and diminished security, are common occurrences impacting intimate partnerships. This article explores fifteen evidence-based strategies for rebuilding trust and fostering relational security following such disruptions. We will define key concepts such as relational trust, relational security, and attachment theory to provide a robust framework for understanding and implementing these strategies. Relational trust refers to the confidence individuals have in their partner’s reliability, honesty, and integrity. Relational security is the feeling of safety and stability within the relationship, rooted in a belief that the partner is a dependable source of support and affection. Attachment theory provides a lens through which to examine how early relational experiences shape adult attachment styles and influence the ways individuals respond to relational challenges. These strategies are grounded in established communication models, principles of forgiveness, and the concepts of emotional regulation and interpersonal sensitivity.

1. Establish Open and Honest Communication: Effective communication is foundational to relational repair. Employing active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing and reflecting feelings (Rogers, person-centered therapy), ensures mutual understanding. Schedule regular dedicated communication times free from distractions, fostering a safe space for vulnerability and honest expression.
2. Cultivate Mutual Vulnerability and Emotional Transparency: Sharing vulnerabilities, guided by the principles of self-disclosure (Jourard’s self-disclosure theory), strengthens intimacy. Authentic expression of emotions creates deeper connection and builds trust. This requires each partner to create a psychologically safe environment in which the other can feel safe disclosing their thoughts and feelings.
3. Prioritize Transparency and Truthfulness: Acknowledging mistakes and offering sincere apologies are crucial. This is consistent with the principles of restorative justice, which focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding trust. Transparency fosters a foundation of honesty and mutual accountability.
4. Develop Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Understanding the other’s perspective using techniques like emotional validation (Emotion-Focused Therapy) strengthens relational bonds. Actively seeking to understand the partner’s emotional experience fosters compassion and trust.
5. Demonstrate Consistent and Reliable Behavior: Consistency in actions and words builds credibility and security (Social Cognitive Theory, Bandura). Following through on commitments and being dependable increases the partner’s confidence and trust in your reliability.
6. Collaborative Repair and Joint Goal Setting: Jointly defining and working towards shared goals, employing principles of collaborative problem-solving, strengthens the partnership. This process fosters a sense of shared responsibility in rebuilding trust and fostering a secure future.
7. Integrative Reflection and Future Planning: Analyzing the factors contributing to the setback allows for informed planning, utilizing principles of systems theory to identify relational patterns. This reflective process provides valuable insights for creating a more secure and resilient future for the relationship.
8. Rekindle Romance and Affection: Renewing romantic gestures and expressions of affection, guided by the principles of relationship enhancement, cultivates intimacy. Prioritizing quality time and shared experiences strengthens emotional connection.
9. Attend to and Address Intuitions and Insecurities: Addressing gut feelings and insecurities through open communication minimizes conflict. Openly discussing concerns prevents future breakdowns by fostering proactive conflict resolution.
10. Embrace Patience and Allow for Gradual Healing: Healing takes time. Patience and understanding are essential for successful relationship repair (Gottman Method). Acknowledging the process of healing, and celebrating small victories, promotes perseverance and long-term success.
11. Create a Psychologically Safe Environment: Building a relationship characterized by safety, respect and unconditional positive regard (Rogers’ person-centered therapy) is paramount. This enables open communication and mutual trust without fear of judgment or criticism.
12. Build Shared Memories and Positive Experiences: Creating positive memories through shared activities promotes bonding. Shared experiences enrich the relationship, building resilience and strengthening trust.
13. Practice Forgiveness and Release Resentment: Letting go of resentment (Forgiveness research) fosters healing. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse harmful behavior but acknowledges the desire to move forward constructively. This is vital for restoring trust.
14. Support Individual Growth and Development: Supporting individual growth and aspirations strengthens the relationship’s resilience. Individual growth fosters personal well-being, increasing each partner’s contribution to a thriving partnership.
15. Seek Professional Guidance When Needed: Seeking professional help from a relationship therapist provides expert guidance and support. This intervention is particularly helpful in addressing complex relational issues, maximizing the likelihood of successful recovery.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Rebuilding trust and security after a relationship setback requires commitment, understanding, and effort from both partners. Implementing these strategies, grounded in established relationship theories and therapeutic approaches, significantly enhances the probability of successful relational repair. Further research could explore the effectiveness of these strategies across diverse relational contexts and cultural backgrounds. The impact of individual differences, such as attachment styles and communication patterns, on the process of rebuilding trust also requires further investigation. The applicability of these strategies is broad, extending beyond romantic relationships to other close personal bonds. The long-term implications of successful implementation include increased relational satisfaction, improved well-being, and strengthened resilience to future challenges.

Reader Pool: Considering the principles of attachment theory and communication models discussed, how might the effectiveness of these strategies vary based on individuals’ attachment styles and pre-existing communication patterns within the relationship?

Cultivating Emotional Intimacy: 15 Strategies for Strengthening Relational Bonds

The cornerstone of any enduring and fulfilling romantic partnership lies in the cultivation of robust emotional support and understanding. This is not merely a desirable attribute; it is the vital lifeblood sustaining relational vitality and longevity. This article presents fifteen evidence-based strategies to foster profound emotional intimacy, building resilience and enriching the connection between partners. We will explore concepts such as empathy, active listening, and the importance of creating a secure attachment style, grounded in attachment theory and social exchange theory.

1. Fostering Empathetic Understanding: Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is paramount. This involves perspective-taking, actively attempting to comprehend your partner’s emotional landscape, even when differing viewpoints exist. This resonates with the core principles of empathy-altruism hypothesis, suggesting that genuine empathy motivates prosocial behaviors, strengthening the relational bond. In practice, this means actively listening to your partner’s experiences, validating their emotions, and seeking to understand the underlying reasons behind their feelings.

2. Utilizing Active Listening Techniques: Active listening transcends mere hearing; it involves fully engaging with your partner’s communication. This requires providing undivided attention, offering verbal and nonverbal cues of engagement (e.g., nodding, maintaining eye contact), and seeking clarification to ensure comprehension. This technique, rooted in interpersonal communication principles, fosters a sense of being heard and valued, enhancing feelings of security and connection. It is the bedrock of effective communication and conflict resolution.

3. Validating Emotional Experiences: Validating your partner’s emotions demonstrates respect and acceptance. Even when disagreeing with their perspective, acknowledging the legitimacy of their feelings creates a safe space for authentic self-expression. This aligns with the principles of person-centered therapy, emphasizing unconditional positive regard and empathy in fostering emotional growth and well-being. This reduces defensiveness and promotes open communication.

4. Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation: The power of gratitude in strengthening relational bonds is well-documented. Regularly expressing sincere appreciation, through words or actions, reinforces positive feelings and fosters mutual respect. This aligns with social exchange theory, which posits that relationships thrive on a balance of rewards and costs, with gratitude acting as a significant relational reward. Regularly expressing appreciation strengthens the sense of reciprocity within the relationship.

5. Cultivating Patience and Emotional Regulation: Emotional processing requires time and understanding. Exhibiting patience during periods of emotional distress demonstrates support and commitment. This promotes emotional security and strengthens the attachment bond between partners. Applying principles of emotional intelligence, managing one’s own emotional responses is crucial in providing a stable and supportive environment for the partner’s emotional processing.

6. Promoting Open and Honest Communication: Open communication, characterized by transparency and honesty, forms the foundation of a healthy relationship. This requires creating a safe environment where partners feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or retribution. This directly applies the principles of communication accommodation theory, which highlights the importance of adapting communication styles to foster understanding and connection.

7. Utilizing Gestures of Affection: Small acts of affection, such as leaving love notes or sending unexpected messages, can profoundly impact relational satisfaction. These actions signal care and appreciation, strengthening the bond. This can be explained by the reinforcement-affect model of attraction, which suggests that positive behaviors lead to positive feelings and strengthen relational bonds.

8. Prioritizing Quality Time Together: Intentionally dedicating time to shared activities fosters connection and strengthens the relational bond. Engaging in pleasurable activities together creates positive memories and reinforces positive feelings. This aligns with the investment model of commitment, which suggests that couples invest time, energy and resources into maintaining the relationship to build long-term commitment.

9. Respecting Individual Boundaries: Recognizing and respecting each partner’s need for personal space and autonomy is vital. Respecting boundaries fosters independence and mutual respect, enhancing the relationship’s health and longevity. This is integral to maintaining a healthy balance within the relationship, avoiding codependency, and promoting individual growth.

10. Providing Consistent Emotional Support: Being a reliable source of emotional support during challenging times is crucial. This involves providing a listening ear, offering comfort, and actively showing empathy. This aligns with attachment theory, which highlights the importance of secure attachment in fostering trust and emotional well-being within relationships. Offering consistent support strengthens the feeling of security and trust.

11. Planning Romantic Outings: Regularly scheduling romantic dates fosters intimacy and connection. These experiences create positive memories and strengthen the relational bond. This reinforces positive feelings and enhances the enjoyment of the partnership.

12. Performing Acts of Kindness: Small, unexpected acts of kindness demonstrate care and appreciation. These acts, even seemingly insignificant, speak volumes about commitment and affection. These actions strengthen positive feelings and reinforce the bond through consistent positive reinforcement.

13. Sharing Common Interests: Engaging in shared activities and hobbies fosters connection through shared experiences. This creates a sense of camaraderie and strengthens the relational bond. Shared activities provide opportunities for positive interactions and further strengthen the relationship.

14. Practicing Unconditional Acceptance: Embracing each other’s imperfections and vulnerabilities is essential for building a secure and supportive relationship. This fosters a nurturing environment where both partners can feel comfortable and secure. Unconditional acceptance strengthens the feeling of trust and security.

15. Celebrating Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating each other’s successes reinforces mutual support and encourages personal growth. This strengthens the relational bond by promoting feelings of pride and shared accomplishment. This demonstrates that the relationship is a source of support for both partners’ development and growth.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Cultivating emotional intimacy is an ongoing process, demanding consistent effort and commitment from both partners. By applying the strategies outlined above, rooted in established relational and communication theories, couples can create a secure and nurturing environment that fosters deep emotional connections and enhances relational well-being. Future research could explore the longitudinal effects of these strategies on relationship satisfaction and stability across diverse populations and relationship types. The impact of incorporating specific interventions, such as couples therapy or relationship education programs, could also be investigated. The applicability of these principles extends beyond romantic relationships, informing interpersonal dynamics in various contexts, such as family and friendships.

Reader Pool: What additional strategies or theoretical frameworks could enhance the cultivation of emotional intimacy and strengthen relational bonds further?