"Intimacy" is an IG Post on the Marjani Lane Instagram. This is the accessible read-only text.
understanding the different ways you can be intimate
Intimacy
Intimacy is defined as a close familiarity or friendship. it a sense of special connection and knowing someone deeply. It can be used to define the closeness between friends, family, and lovers. Usually intimacy is used interchangeably with romance and sex in polyamory, which can erase the presence of aromantic and asexual polyamorous people. However by understanding that intimacy can be expressed in different manners - all valid and as important as romance and sex - the polyam community can create more inclusive spaces for people who love multiple people in a different ways. intimacy has a wider range than sexual and romantic interaction. A lot of people, regardless if they are monogamous or polyamorous, hyperfocus their idea of intimacy on those two things. Emotional intimacy is usually grouped with a romantic focus. physical intimacy grouped with a sexual focus. Explore intimacy beyond the binary.
Spiritual Intimacy
Spiritual intimacy is sharing ones higher beliefs, superstitions, values, morals, and/or religion. This can be cultivated via meditation, spiritual ventures, assisting each other on their personal growth, mindfulness, and learning more about each other's spiritual beliefs.
Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy can be expressed through communication - sharing of thoughts and feelings with positive, supportive feedback. Trust and transparency is integral to the success of emotional intimacy. The goal of emotional intimacy is to feel supported, affirmed, and cared for deeply by and for your partner(s).
Intellectual Intimacy
Intellectual intimacy is when you can share ideas and thoughts, even if there are differing opinions, respectfully. This can be cultivated by sharing beliefs and values, interests, reading together, and talking about past experiences and knowledge.
Physical Intimacy
Physical intimacy stimulates the sense of touch. it promotes the closeness between bodies. It can include cuddling, kissing, holding hands, sleeping together, hugging, sex, looking into each other's eyes, and more. Close proximity is also a form of physical intimacy which does not require physical touch.
Creative Intimacy
Creative intimacy is cultivating a closeness through creating together and sharing one's art. Examples of this could be dancing, painting, writing, and listening to or making music. While this may seem frivolous, sharing your creations and making things together can strengthen your other intimacies.