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Intimacy Encino Many of the problems that couples experience can be attributed to an issue of intimacy. Encino area psychologist, Dr. Fibus, may be of assistance in these cases and sometimes professional assistance is required if the problem is to be resolved. But while the problem may be intimacy, the question that some people ask is: what is intimacy? The answer is a long and complex one that has to take into account a range of different factors that most people are not even aware of. The answer includes the different kinds of intimacy that are involved and what they mean to people. One of the most important things to understand is to know what intimacy is. Encino are psychologist Dr. Fibus may know the difference, but do you? The definition of intimacy differs depending on the relationship in question and may even differ in a single relationship. Intimacy does not just refer to romantic connections between people, either. It can refer to the feelings between two close friends. It is therefore often linked to feelings of closeness, trust, and safety. The trust aspect of intimacy is very important, as there can be no real intimacy if the parties do not trust each other. Aside from trust, intimacy also requires a certain amount of empathy to understand each other's positions in any situation. Sexual attraction and arousal are sometimes mistaken for intimacy. Encino area psychologist Dr. Fibus will be able to tell you that there is a great difference. Intimacy does have many forms, one of which is physical intimacy, but a sexual tension or attraction between two people should not be confused for intimacy. There are many kinds of intimacy that couples or friends can experience. Physical intimacy is the most common between romantic couples and refers to the amount of trust between partners concerning their personal space and their physical boundaries. Emotional intimacy may refer to the unspoken lines of communication that exist between two people and their ability to communicate and understand each other on certain level that others cannot. Intellectual intimacy is often found amongst friends or colleagues where the two parties have a respect for one another's knowledge and experience. Other forms of intimacy include spiritual intimacy that is often experienced by people sharing the same religion or even a form of nameless intimacy that is described as simply 'understanding another person' or 'getting them'. Intimacy is an important part of many of the relationships that people form every day of their lives. Before an intimate relationship can be formed, be it with a loved one or a close friend, some self-identity needs to be in place. Only when one knows oneself and one's own boundaries can trust be given and received by another party. Intimacy of any kind refers to a sort contract that you sign with another person and that is based on trust. Whether it is to share feelings, thoughts or something more physical it is a close and personal relationship that needs to be nurtured.
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Copyright@2002-2003 M. Jay Fibus, Ph.D., M.F.T. |
