Dimensions of Intimacy

 Intimacy can come in many forms. It is detailed differently depending on the person expressing the emotions. Sometimes intimacy comes from talking and expressing your feelings. Like when you acknowledging when your hurt, or embarrassed. Saying "I Love You" can for intimate feelings.

However there is many dimensions to intimacy such as:

1. Physical- Which is the most obvious dimension to intimacy. As children we grown a physical intimate bond with our parents. We are rocked, fed, hugged, held, and kissed by parents for many years. We learn to depend and trust them. Then as we get older, the opportunities of intimacy is less regular but still important. We start finding people who we connect with on many levels. Physical intimacy is sexual, but can also be simple and affectionate gestures such as kissing, hugging, or even struggles. What I mean by struggle is like companions who have endured a physical challenge together. We search for significant others in hope of receiving intimacy and affection. Physical intimacy is a level of intimacy that often happens later rather than sooner in a relationship. For most, each individual takes the time to connect, understand, trust and express themselves before ever getting physical.

2. Intellectual Intimacy- Now not every exchange of ideas or creative thoughts can lead to intimacy. Like talking to your professor about you homework or upcoming test isn't likely to start a dramatic form of intimacy. However when people engage in in important ideas together, it forms a closeness and develops a bond. This bond can be exciting and powerful depending on the bond.

3. Shared Activities- can provide a way to lead to emotional closeness. Again, not all shared activities can lead towards intimacy. Nevertheless, people who work together in the same activities can create strong bonds. It may be just a strong friendship or it could turn intimate. Struggling together against obstacles or living together as housemates are good examples of ways to lead to intimacy. Partners invent private, tease one another, play around, goof off, and play games.

The amount of intimacy is different in each relationship. Some intimate relationships consist of all the dimensions to intimacy, emotional disclosure, physical intimacy, intellectual exchangesand shared activities. When other relationships only have one or two elements of intimacy.  Of course, not every person you meet will forge this intimate bond. There are just simple friendships and work related friendships. However remember that despite the fact that not all relationships are intimate, living without any intimacy is hardly desirable.