Intimacy: Encyclopedia - Intimacy

Intimacy

This article is about the element of love. For the book by Hanif Kureishi, see Intimacy (book). For the movie by Patrice Chéreau, see Intimacy (2001 film).

Intimacy - Definition

Intimacy is complex in that its meaning varies from relationship to relationship, and within a given relationship over time. In some relationships, intimacy is entwined with sex and feelings of closeness may be connected or confused with sexual feelings. In other relationships, intimacy has more to do with shared moments than sexual interactions. In any case, intimacy is linked with feelings of closeness among partners in a relationship.

This is not a clear definition but even without a specific definition, it seems clear that intimacy and healthy relationships go hand in hand. Indeed, intimacy is a basic ingredient in any meaningful relationship: the basis of friendship and one of the foundations of love. It may take several forms.

The main ones are emotional intimacy and physical intimacy.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Intimacy", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki