Intimacy

Yesterday I quoted Thomas Moore on the gifts of sex, one of which is intimacy. But what is
intimacy and can sex truly provide it? The answer is both yes and no.

The word intimacy has come to take on sexual connotations, but true intimacy is much more than the physical act of sex. Real intimacy actually refers to a close connection with another person as a result of entering into a deep and meaningful relationship. Intimate relationships exist between partners, but they can also exist between friends, parents, and children. Deep intimacy involves revealing yourself completely to another person and allowing your heart to been seen.

We all have physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs that we want to have met within our primary relationship. When all of these areas are working in harmony in our lives, sex can provide a deep, intimate connection. If intimacy is not present, however, the sexual relationship will not satisfy us and our true needs go unmet.

To have a meaningful sexual relationship, you must first have an intimate connection. This happens through closeness and tenderness, sharing of your passions and interests, and a solid foundation of friendship and respect. Intimacy and sex can be vitally linked, but only when you are coming from a place of open communication and honest emotion.

If you're feeling like your sexual life is suffering, perhaps you should first work at restoring intimacy to the relationship. The rewards will extend far beyond the bedroom.