On intimacy

[tsuki]

I feel like we're opening up thanks to recent events and a bridge is starting to show up between various ideological factions in this sub-forum. I wanted to discuss the topic of intimacy - what it means to each one of you, personally.

The purpose of this thread is to expose and appreciate the differences in understanding of this subject. It does not intend to find the "right" definition.

For me, intimacy is expressing and seeing the personal truth within a relationship. It requires openness to experience the other person fully, without inhibiting their expression that triggers the parts of ourselves that we reject. It also requires presence to our needs and willingness to present them to our partner truthfully. It is based upon trust, which is the understanding that our partner means well to both of us and will meet us in a receptive manner.

Intimacy has expressions in various aspects of relationships, from physique (sex), through life goals, to emotions and psychology.

[Preety_India]

The greatest ingredient necessary to developing deep intimacy is trust. 

[aurum]

@tsuki

I really like Teal Swan's mnemonic on intimacy. Intimacy is "in to me you see".

For me, that implies vulnerability and trust. You can really let your guard down and be seen.