Many people think that intimacy is the same as sex, but it’s much more than that.
To be intimate is to allow yourself to be vulnerable with another person.
Sensuality is one way of being intimate. Sensuality is the ability to touch and feel very connected to one another, to hug, hold hands, look into each other’s eyes, to see and be willing to be seen, even to speak openly and to be open to sensitive feelings. Sensuality may build toward sexual intimacy, or it may not. It is a satisfying end in itself—and it can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences.
Some people grew up in families that did not allow or encourage intimacy, touching or sensuality. They may not know how to allow themselves to be open and vulnerable with another person. Intimacy may feel uncomfortable, threatening or overwhelming.
Intimacy, sensuality and sexuality are forms of communication within a relationship. They offer a rich and many-layered vocabulary that can intensify the relationship, allow the individuals to thrive and continually renew the couple’s commitment to one another.
Making your relationship safe for intimacy—with or without sex—is the goal of intimacy coaching. You will feel better about your partner, better about your relationship and better about yourself.
For a free phone consult, call Dr. Fibus at 818.395.2831.
