All truly happy couples have one thing in common, essential to maintaining a healthy bond, whether they are in the early stages or have been together for several years.
This is nothing but intimacy – and no, we’re not just talking about the physical. Excluding physical attraction, which is undoubtedly the main factor in the existence of a love relationship with a person, there is also intimacy which is a necessary element to maintain the relationship and which takes three different forms.
There are three different types of this feeling that “binds” us to our other half: these are emotional, intellectual and spiritual intimacy.
If a couple is lucky, they may manage to develop all three of her forms.
The 3 types of intimacy that
1. Emotional intimacy
Sharing your feelings and thoughts openly is for some people a prerequisite for a trusting relationship. It’s painful to feel more vulnerable than someone else – especially if that other person is the most important person in their life. Knowing that your partner empathizes with you and supports you, your relationship is built on security and intimate reactions.
The two partners must know each other deeply and accept each other. Have you heard couples say that they can tell what the other wants with just their eyes? This is the ultimate level of emotional intimacy and is very important to a relationship.
2. Intellectual intimacy
When partners can share their deepest thoughts, feelings, and motivations, it’s as if they live inside each other’s minds. This happens when one’s ideas and opinions really matter to the other, who listens to them and respects them. Both partners can express their opinions and beliefs without worrying about potential conflicts. They feel that their opinion counts and there is mutual appreciation and respect.
3. Spiritual intimacy
We usually associate the word spirit with something bigger than ourselves or with religion. But spiritual intimacy is not necessarily related to one’s faith. This kind of closeness is created when we share deep concerns, realizations regarding life and death, and other big questions of existence. When a couple manages to calmly discuss the beliefs of each member, then it is certain that they are building a stable and happy relationship.
