Emotional Intimacy

Intimacy is a private and shared experience with only two or a few people. By its very nature, intimacy is a chosen response and relies on a close relationship and secure foundation of trust. Usually, an intimate emotional response will not be taken on lightly and there has to be a high level of trust before people commit. 

While emotional connection is like a wide all-encompassing action, emotional intimacy is a smaller, closed one. We might be emotionally attached to our boss and discuss a general emotional issue about one of his kids. However, emotional intimacy regarding our flagging marriage would not be appropriate. That intimate information might be best shared with a close friend or supportive family member.

In a romantic relationship, emotional intimacy is paramount. It is what separates this partnership from many others. It is where we can say exactly how we feel without making excuses for our reactions or for regard to any social expectations. There is great freedom when it comes to emotional intimacy. In this place, all emotions are valid, even the disagreeable ones. 

Intimacy needs a base of trust and equal standing for those involved.

If only one person shares emotional intimacy everything becomes unbalanced. Normally there is one individual who finds emotional intimacy easier to stand in while the other only steps in occasionally. To me, for it to work long term both people have to participate. The degree is not as significant as both being part of the process.

Now intimacy is a swear word for many of us. It brings up all kinds of fear and resistance.

Every relationship will have their own kind of intimacy. Some will encompass it completely while others might have a “faraway” type of intimacy. It really matters less how much is present. Ultimately, it is the match that ensures success.

Partnerships that share emotional intimacy can fair better is the long run. With this connection there is less chance of slipping away from one another. Life is consuming at times but with a firm connection we can hold on strong and weather the challenges. 

Emotional intimacy is sharing in a place of trust. Without a big dose of trust this unique bond will not work.