Intimacy
Intimacy is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts in relationships.
At some time intimacy and sex became interchangeable words and now many people believe they are the same. While intimacy may include or lead to a better sexual relationship, it involves much more. Intimacy consists of an entire way of being, acting and thinking. It is a place where both partners are willing to commit to each other, be vulnerable, and trust. In an intimate relationship both partners understand each other while simultaneously feeling understood.
Most of us carry childhood or other wounds which hold us back from permitting ourselves to trust or be open with our partner. While desiring a partnership in which we can be without fear or mistrust we often behave in a way which is guarded and shaped by old behaviour patterns of reacting and closes the door to our partners and so creates a growing lack of intimacy. This leads to feelings of being unwanted, anxious, lonely, inadequate, depressed, rejected, resentful and angry in one or both partners. Sometimes we unconsciously relate to each as did our parents – even if this may not have been constructive. Relationship therapy can teach you how to better relate to each other and open the doors to true communication and intimacy.