Intimacy one feels in a relationship can be described as openness toward another person and closeness to him/her.

Intimacy carries the comfort of sharing feelings, mutual respect and honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable.

The need for intimacy involves the needs for belonging and for the very basic human contact.

Unlike commitment, which evolves gradually, intimacy can be sensed by one immediately upon meeting another person. However it continues to grow throughout the relationship.


Q. What types of relationships require intimacy?
A. Friendship and marriage are good examples to relationships that flourish on intimacy. Intimacy is also an important component in one's search for a consultant or mentor.