What is intimacy? To explain intimacy in the simplest form, it is the degree of closeness and the bond that exists between you and your partner. A healthy relationship includes five types of intimacy; physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social.
When we think about intimacy within a relationship it’s kind of like the “glue” that holds the relationship together. Intimacy is a multidimensional part of a relationship. Healthy intimacy promotes a sense of safety and security within a relationship that allows couples to be more vulnerable with one another.
Ok so we know what intimacy is but why is intimacy so important in a relationship? A couple’s intimacy is one of the most powerful predictors of overall relationship health. When a couple experiences a lack of intimacy in any of the five types of intimacy it can cause distress within the relationship that when left unaddressed can create significant turmoil for the couple.
Intimacy doesn’t happen overnight and it is important to be intentional with building a closeness over time through physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social intimacy with your partner. Intimacy requires consistency and intentional work. It is important to ensure you are being mindful of the five types of intimacy and open and honest with your partner when you feel any of those areas suffering.
Intimacy encompasses a closeness and connection that help foster healthy interpersonal relationships and it is an essential part of intimate relationships. Every relationship will experience ups and downs and this can impact the level of intimacy within the relationship. It is important to be mindful of the things that are making intimacy difficult and continue to intentionally integrate the multidimensional parts of intimacy within the relationship.
5 Types of Relationship Intimacy
Physical: Expressing ones affection and love through physical touch such as holding hands, kissing, cuddling, and being physically intimate with one another.
Emotional: Sharing thoughts and feelings with one another where each partner feels heard and valued within the relationship.
Intellectual: Engaging in thought provoking conversations with one another that promotes the haring of thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Spiritual: A deeper connection than a physical or emotional connection. A way to share your beliefs, values, and purpose with one another.
Social: A time to share in life’s social experiences and create lasting memories with one another.
Five Forms Of Intimacy | Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins is an American podcast host, best selling author, and motivational speaker. She talks about the meaning of the word intimacy and how it can be described as “in to me see”. Looking into one another’s most vulnerable parts and sharing yourself on the most intimate levels. Learning ways to incorporate the five forms of intimacy and set your relationship up for success.
Find out more of what Mel Robbins has to say about intimacy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uxrP2kuphk
May the Force be with you,
Angelina Taylor, MSPsy, MAMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
http://www.akconfluence.com/ 907.313.4433 ext. 106
