[3][4] intimacy involves the feeling of being in a close, personal association and belonging together. [6] in anthropological research, intimacy is considered the product of a successful seduction, a process of rapport building that enables parties to confidently disclose previously hidden thoughts and feelings. [19] a study conducted by monroe examined the traits and habits of children in selecting a friend. [4] evidence also points to the role of a number of contextual factors that can impact intimate relationships.

[20] …

there are many temptations to organize our life around the experience of earlier trauma. in robert sternberg’s triad of love—passion, intimacy, commitment—the intimacy stage of a relationship predominates as the passionate stage wanes. intimacy is not a flight from the self but a celebration of the self in concert with another person. the continual process of discovery that comes with intimacy does not always concern facts. over time, this subverts the equal emotional exchange necessary for true intimacy; a counterfeit …

people with disabilities get the message that “because your body is so different, it’s going to be hard to find someone to ‘look past those issues’ and see you for who you really are.” the greatest challenge that people with disabilities experience when it comes to sex is society’s beliefs about sexuality and sexual relationships, notions such as, “why would anybody choose to be with somebody with a disability when they could have a nondisabled person?” and contrary to the …

we refer to a couple as “intimate” in order to convey the idea that they are in a sexual relationship. the ability to reveal oneself fully, honestly and directly in this way is the essence of intimacy. it is no news that sexual problems in a relationship are frequently the by-product of personal and relational conflicts and anxieties. while many of us may feel that sex is the glue of relationships from which communication (and intimacy) will flow, others may …

for some reason, i’ve just always assumed those two words were interchangeable. like most things in relationships, the true definition of intimacy varies per person and per couple. for others, it means the little things your partner does for you, just to see you smile. in my current relationship, some of our most intimate moments have been right after an argument. you get to the point of the argument much quicker in person than you do by text.

but i …