Relationships - creating intimacy | Better Health Channel
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Summary

Intimacy in a relationship means being able to share the whole range of thoughts, feelings and experiences. Discovering and nurturing intimacy can make your relationship with your partner happier and more fulfilling. Intimacy is linked to sex for many couples, but is not just sexual.

Intimacy in a relationship means being able to share the whole range of thoughts, feelings and experiences we have as human beings. It involves being open and talking through your thoughts and emotions, letting your guard down, and showing someone else how you feel and what your hopes and dreams are. Discovering intimacy with someone you love can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a relationship.

Intimacy in relationships


Intimacy is achieved when we become close to someone else and are reassured that we are loved and accepted for who we are. Children usually develop intimacy with parents and peers. As adults, we seek intimacy in close relationships with other adults, friends, family and with a partner.

Intimacy and sex


For many couples, ‘making love’ involves a sense of intimacy and emotional closeness. An intimate sexual relationship involves trust and being vulnerable and potent with each other. Closeness during sex is also linked to other forms of intimacy.

It is important to share a whole range of emotions with a partner, otherwise some people begin to feel lonely and isolated regardless of how good their sexual experiences may be. Explore ways to share love and affection without sex. Often, the more a couple is intimate with each other in ways other than sex, the more fulfilling their sex life becomes.

Difficulties in achieving intimacy


There are many reasons why some people find it difficult to achieve intimacy in their relationship. This is commonly the result of problems such as:
  • Lack of communication
  • Financial problems
  • Work or family pressures
  • Negative childhood experiences
  • Past and current traumas.
We all have some barriers to intimacy. It is normal for couples to work together to overcome these barriers.

Intimacy is built up over time


Building and maintaining intimacy in a relationship takes time, and it takes some people longer than others. Often, the harder you work at developing intimacy in your relationship, the more rewarding it is. Some suggestions for developing intimacy in your relationship include:
  • Celebrate the good things in your relationship. Tell your partner (in words and actions) how much you love and appreciate them.
  • Talk openly about your feelings and what you need from the relationship.
  • Create opportunities for intimacy. Take time out to be together as a couple.
  • Accept that your relationship will have highs and lows. Continue to explore new ways of finding a deeper level of intimacy.
  • Intimacy is damaged when one partner uses power inappropriately over the other. Abuse or violence in a relationship destroys trust and signals that the relationship is in trouble.

Seeking help


Sometimes you may need help or guidance to sort through some of the issues, feelings and thoughts you have about your relationship. Consider talking to a relationship counsellor, or going to a course or workshop that will help you and your partner overcome some of your relationship problems.

Where to get help

Things to remember

  • Sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions with someone you love can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a relationship.
  • Be aware of the need to explore ways to share intimacy without sex.
  • Intimacy in a relationship doesn’t just happen. It is built up over time.
  • Abuse or violence in a relationship destroys trust and intimacy and signals that the relationship is in trouble.
You might also be interested in: Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

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Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: January 2011

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Intimacy in a relationship means being able to share the whole range of thoughts, feelings and experiences. Discovering and nurturing intimacy can make your relationship with your partner happier and more fulfilling. Intimacy is linked to sex for many couples, but is not just sexual.



Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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