The 9 types of intimacy you can experience

Being able to experience all types of intimacy with our partner would be sensational. The culmination of happiness. However, many times, with certain people we do not go beyond the emotional and sexual level. It is then when we perceive a void, an absence that weighs and creates distances. We long to have intellectual, recreational, etc. intimacy.

Human beings are creatures with multiple needs and desires. Intimacy, understood as that alchemy that allows us to find ourselves when we are with other people, is a basic dimension for our well-being. It is about feeling validated in all the spheres that make up our being: emotions, interests, values, passions…

It is true that, many times, we distribute all these areas among several figures. While with our partner we can have emotional and sexual intimacy, with another friendship we can have an intellectual union. And with our brother we can have aesthetics, that is, that complicity in artistic matters.

Although few things would be as wonderful as loving someone with whom you can share absolutely every type of intimacy that exists.

On average, it is difficult to experience all types of intimacy in the same person.

These are the 9 types of intimacy

One of the most decisive aspects in relationships is feeling emotionally safe. That is the gateway to different types of intimacy.

Emotional trust builds psychological connection, and that is when we begin to weave the luminous bonds of intimacy. Thanks to it, we gain closeness, complicity and build safe havens with other people in which to be ourselves.

Without intimacy, without that exceptional nourishment, relationships wither and die. What’s more, research from the University of Texas indicates that the more intimacy a couple shares, the greater their satisfaction and stability in their relationship. This means that we must understand an essential aspect.

It is advisable to work on all types of connection in our emotional relationships. Carving out common territories in which to meet, in which to share thoughts, needs and projects, will make that bond stronger. Also happy.

We now delve into those spheres that shape the different types of intimacy.

1. Emotional union

Emotional intimacy has empathy as its main substrate. It is a mutual recognition, it is giving presence to the other person and recognizing what they feel, what they need and what they express.

For this psychological glue to be effective, validation is needed. This connection is not achieved with just anyone and, for it to be maintained, it requires daily work based on affection and recognition.

2. The sexual conjunction

Sexual intimacy is decisive in a relationship. It is a type of dynamic made up of desires, fantasies and commonly satisfied needs.. This craft requires sincere communication and magical complicity, in order to create safe spaces in which to enjoy and grow together.

3. The intellectual connection

Among the various types of intimacy, intellectual intimacy is one of the most intense and rewarding. In fact, it may be the case that we have a good emotional and sexual connection with our partner, but not the intellectual one. And this can undermine the relationship in some cases.

Because it is always gratifying and stimulating to have that conjunction in which to share thoughts, reflections, theoretical and philosophical perspectives with someone, and of course, enjoy deep conversations.

4. Aesthetic intimacy

Enjoying music with our partner, an art exhibition with our best friend, arthouse cinema with our sister, etc., are very rewarding experiences.

The aesthetics or beauty contained in any artistic manifestation is a very important sphere in the human being.. Having someone with whom we can immerse ourselves in these universes also gives us happiness.

5. The recreational connection

We all know who to call if we want to have a good time. There are people with whom we laugh at everything and nothing, figures with whom we intensely enjoy any getaway, any inconsequential moment.

We don’t really know why, but sometimes we build a type of intimacy with certain figures that relieves stress and allows us to laugh at any problem.

6. Vital or existential intimacy

Another of the most interesting types of intimacy, which is not talked about too much, is vital or existential intimacy. What perspectives, long-term goals and purposes do you have? Are they in harmony with your partner’s? Do you have friends with whom you share the same professional or personal perspectives?

Our daily life becomes more meaningful if we have a series of people with whom we can tune in to these dimensions, to share concerns, fears and hopes.

7. Intimacy in times of crisis

When adversity, changes and crises sneak into our lives, It is very therapeutic to have adequate intimacy with someone to deal with such problems. We don’t want those challenges to be solved for us. What we need is support, understanding, a safe space in which we can talk, vent, think about coping strategies…

Intimacy must be present both in everyday life and in difficult moments.

8. Communicative intimacy

We all need to be able to speak without being judged. Also, maintain fluid conversations to reflect on everything and nothing, in harmony, complicity and through a good emotional connection.

Have one or more people with whom to enjoy adequate communicative intimacy It is an exercise that contributes to psychological well-being.

9. Spirituality, or the meaning of life

Spiritual intimacy does not focus solely on the religious aspect. It has to do with vital meanings, with the beliefs that we harbor about the meaning of our existence, of the afterlife, of the human being in his relationship with the world. We have all thought about these matters at some point. And everyone has their perspective, their theory and their beliefs.

We do not always need to coincide in this sphere with our partner, friends or family. But If we manage to build a bond of intimacy and respectfully share visions and beliefs, we will gain balance, inner peace and happiness.

To conclude, we all need this fabric for our relationships to make sense. It is a craft that requires great responsibility and constant work. Because everything that is loved must be cared for.

You might be interested…