INTIMACY Typesof Typesof

By: Dr. Elizabeth Fedrick, PhD

@drelizabethfedrick

/www.evolvecounselingaz.com/

When we hear the word “intimacy” there is generally one thing that quickly (and most often) comes to mind… Sex.

However, intimacy is so much more complex and multifaceted than boiling it down to this one word. Intimacy can be defined as the connection and closeness between two individuals. It is the foundation of safety, trust, and vulnerability within a relational dynamic.

True intimacy is a crucial part of a healthy relationship because it signifies connectedness, an alliance, and an agreement to consistently “show up” for each other, even in hard times.

Thus, intimacy is most certainly not just about sex, but rather about the various components of a relationship that contribute to a sense of safety, connection, and partnership.

3. Intellectual

5. Spirtitual

2. Emotional

4. Experiential

Physical Intimacy: cuddling, hand holding, nurturing touch, caressing, sensuality, kissing, sex, etc.

Spiritual Intimacy: prayer, meditation, values, morals & ethics, faith, exploring inner worlds, etc

Experiential Intimacy: trying new things, shared experiences, adventures, spontaneity, etc.

Intellectual Intimacy: deep conversations, mental stimulation, introspection, creativity, curiosity, etc.

Emotional Intimacy: empathy, respect, validation, communication, trust, vulnerability. etc.

In order to foster or regain the connection that is crucial for healthy intimacy, couples must start by putting more effort into quality connection. This means carving out daily time for brief check-ins and closeness (even ten minutes makes a difference), weekly time for longer check-ins and deeper conversations (at least a couple hours), and then either monthly or quarterly time for extended quality time (an overnight or weekend if possible).