Intimacy Articles

Medically reviewed by Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC 

Intimacy is the sense of being close to another person, whether emotionally, physically, or sexually. It often involves a significant amount of love and appreciation for one another. In romantic and sexual relationships, people may be “intimate” when they partake in sexual interactions with each other. However, not all forms of intimacy are sexual. 

Types of intimacy

There are several types of intimacy. Physical intimacy refers to a sexual or physically romantic act, such as kissing or having sexual intercourse. Some people can be physically intimate without being emotionally intimate. They may detach their emotions from sex and enjoy the act without the emotional intensity. 

Some individuals don’t disconnect their emotions from sex because they view sex as an emotional connection. Emotional intimacy is when two people connect through emotional care for each other. When you are close to somebody and emotionally intimate with them, you may care about how they feel and want to validate their feelings. To establish intimacy, whether sexual or emotional, a sense of safety and love may be necessary. 

Safety in intimate relationships

Safety can mean the trust you build with another person and knowing they won’t hurt you emotionally or physically. When you are safe, you can be yourself without judgment. To have a genuinely close relationship, it can be essential not to put on a mask or be someone you’re not. If you are hiding parts of yourself from someone else, it can reduce your intimacy with them. 

What are intimate relationships? 

When you hear the term “intimate relationship,” you may automatically assume that the relationship involves sex. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. Intimate relationships are a part of human existence, and they can be of a romantic nature or exist between friends. Intimacy denotes that you are highly connected to the other person regardless of your relationship type. 

The types of intimacy 

Below are further descriptions of the common types of intimacy and how they might be expressed between individuals. 

Physical intimacy

Physical intimacy means being sexually intimate with another person or exchanging loving physical touch. Physical intimacy is not always sexual. It might mean cuddling with a person or engaging in affectionate behavior. Friends can be physically intimate by hugging or cuddling. Physical intimacy is sharing part of yourself with someone you don’t share with everyone else, which might apply to people who don’t often express physical affection except in some exceptional circumstances. 

Sexual intimacy

Sexual intimacy refers to sexual activity with another person. Some people have a more profound sense of intimacy while participating in a sexual act with their partner. In other cases, someone’s feelings may be detached from engaging in sexual acts. Some people experience sex to connect with their partner and be closer to them. 

Emotional intimacy

Emotional intimacy is the feeling of being connected to someone emotionally, whether they’re your friend, family member, or loved one. Emotional intimacy is often thought of as special. If you are having trouble achieving emotional intimacy, seeking help from a therapist may be beneficial. A therapist can help you work through your challenges with emotional intimacy and understand the root cause. 

Support options 

If you struggle to achieve intimacy, a therapist can guide you in building your sense of safety and comfort with others. However, talking to a therapist about intimacy can be challenging, so some people may opt for online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, which offer more convenience and flexibility. 

You can connect with a professional via phone, video, or live chat sessions through an online platform. Your therapist can send worksheets, journal prompts, and recommendations for support groups that you might find beneficial through the app. Additionally, studies back up the effectiveness of online therapy, showing that 71% of clients find it more effective than in-person therapy. 

Takeaway 

Intimacy can be confusing, especially for those who aren’t comfortable being intimate with others. In these cases, you can learn more about intimacy in the articles above or consider speaking to a licensed professional for further support.