Intimate Relationship Intimate Relationships Intimate relationships do not

Intimate Relationship

Intimate Relationships § Intimate relationships do not always have to do with a romantic relationship between couples. § Emotional intimacy where people can comfortably share their feelings with each other or when they empathize with the feelings of others, really try to understand try to be aware of other people’s emotional side. § Physical intimacy is often characterized by romantic or passionate attachment or sexual activity.

Emotional Intimacy § Deep intimacy requires a high level of transparency and openness. This involves a degree of vulnerability that can feel uncomfortable or anxiety-producing to many of us. These feelings do, however, tend to diminish and even dissolve over time and with practice. § Think about when we talked about our emotional intelligence questionnaire. How did that feel?

With whom do you have emotional intimacy? § Friends § Family § Teachers § Coaches § Pets § Therapist § Guidance Councilors § Priests/Ministers/Imams

Physical Intimacy § Physical intimacy is sensual proximity or touching. It is an act or reaction, such as an expression of feelings (including close friendship, love, or sexual attraction), between people.

Why do people have sex? § Reproduction § It feels good § To show love and feeling

How Can You Show Love and Sexual Feeling? § Holding hands § Hugging § Talking § Emails/texts § Phone calls § Watching Netflix § Cuddling § Massage § Kissing § Heavy Petting § Touching § Masturbation § Oral Sex § Vaginal Intercourse § Anal Intercourse

SHARING INTIMACY § In a loving situation, people are often described as “sharing intimacy. ” § Experts say that a TRULY intimate relationship has 5 key qualities:

1. Spend significant, purposeful time together

2. Both people share the same desire for closeness

3. Mutual respect and a feeling of equality

4. Honest, open communication

5. Genuine trust that is built over time

What are some ways that a couple could develop intimacy? § What are some things a couple can do to achieve the five qualities of a truly intimate relationship? Think about each. § Spend significant, purposeful time together § Both people share the same desire for closeness § Mutual respect and equality § Honest, open communication § Genuine trust

Discussion § Is it necessary to be in love in order to be intimate? § Are some activities more intimate than others? § How do the media portray intimacy? Is its depiction realistic?