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Intimacy

© Asha Wate

Intimacy is not the same as love. It goes beyond the concept of love and can be experiences in all contexts of love. It involves accepting another person as he or she is. It is reciprocal. There is give and take in any intimate relations. Intimacy allows two separate individuals to come closer and share while maintaining their individuality. Intimacy does not mean intruding another person's privacy. It involves respecting and loving another person. Intimacy refers to the sharing of one's innermost being. This sharing makes the relationship whole It is generally expressed in the form of caring behavior.

Women with high intimacy motivation are found to be happier, relaxed and more satisfied with their relationship. While men who are high in intimacy motivation are less prone to strain. People with high intimacy motivation share more and expect the same from the partner. If both these needs are fulfilled then the relationship is gratifying for them.

When people are involved in mutual intimate relationship, *They experience positive emotions while with each other. They also look forward to be with each other.

*They involve in reciprocal conversation. Conversation involves speaking and listening.

*They have positive self-esteem and positive attitude toward relationship.

*There is more tolerance for another person's faults and shortcomings.

*There is more commitment and feeling of responsibility.

*They care more about each other.

*People experience harmony in relationship.

Since intimate relationship is give and take relationship it fulfills needs for both the persons involved.

According to psychologist, Robert Weiss these are the characteristics of intimate relationship.

1) Attachment: there is more attachment, which gives a sense of security and commitment. There is less fear of losing affection.

2) Social integration: intimate relation usually takes a form of a good friendship. There is a feeling of sharing and caring.

3) Opportunity for nurturance: we act as a caregiver thus we take responsibility for another person's welfare.

4) Reassurance of worth: it gives a feeling of worth. It also gives a feeling of being socially accepted.

5) Sense of reliable alliance: in this relation we know that we can rely on another person in need. This gives a feeling of social support.

6) It reduces stress, as there is someone to share it.

Intimacy is thus a ground for a stable and gratifying relationship.

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