Intimacy Is Not Only About S*x, Here’s How They’re Different!
There’s this massive cultural narrative that says intimacy equals s*x, and s*x equals intimacy!
Recently, the suave James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, dropped a bombshell in an interview that has everyone rethinking what intimacy really means. Craig, who has filmed his fair share of steamy scenes, revealed there’s “nothing intimate about filming s*x scenes.” And that got us thinking, if s*x isn’t necessarily intimate, what exactly is? Spoiler alert: intimacy isn’t defined by s*x. It’s much, much more.
Well according to Britannica, Intimacy is the state of being intimate, which is marked by the consensual sharing of deeply personal information. It has cognitive, affective, and behavioural components. It is about revealing oneself to one another, caring deeply about one another, and being comfortable in close proximity.
There’s this massive cultural narrative that says intimacy equals s*x, and s*x equals intimacy. But that’s where people are getting it wrong. Intimacy isn’t something you can just check off a list after a physical act. For some, s*x might feel like the most vulnerable and intimate moment, but for others, it’s far from that. Just because two people are physically close doesn’t mean they’re connecting on a deeper level. Sometimes, it’s those quiet, subtle, and seemingly insignificant moments that make you feel closest to someone.
Emotional Intimacy Is Top Tier
Emotional intimacy? Now we’re talking. Forget about the bedroom for a second, let’s discuss the kind of bond where two people share their deepest fears, wildest dreams, and even embarrassing stories from their past. If you’ve ever cried in front of someone without feeling awkward or ashamed, THAT is intimacy. If they’ve stayed by your side through your most vulnerable moments, that’s true connection. It’s about feeling safe, seen, and heard, not just undressing each other physically, but emotionally, too.
Now, if your idea of intimacy is the ability to discuss what happened in the latest reality show, dive into a Netflix binge together, or share your most embarrassing teenage crush, you’re onto something. Intimacy is built on trust, honesty, and shared experiences. It’s the feeling that someone truly GETS you. No fireworks required, just genuine human connection.
The Little Things That Count
We also need to take a moment to appreciate the real MVPs of intimacy, those little gestures that make your heart skip a beat. Holding hands while walking home on a quiet street? That’s intimacy. Curling up on the couch while doing absolutely nothing? That’s intimacy. It’s the quiet moments when someone knows exactly how you take your coffee or leaves a note just because. These are the things that might seem small but have a colossal impact on emotional closeness. For a lot of people, simply being present with someone, whether that’s sharing a comfortable silence or laughing about something ridiculous, is far more intimate than anything that happens between the sheets. In fact, these tiny, tender moments are often the glue that keeps a relationship together in the long run.
What Is Intimacy Without The Pressure?
Another myth that needs to be debunked: intimacy doesn’t come with a checklist. You don’t need to follow a script to feel close to someone, and you definitely don’t need to turn to the physical side of things to define the depth of your relationship. Some of the strongest, most fulfilling bonds are built on emotional closeness, mutual respect, and understanding—not just physical attraction. And guess what? That type of intimacy tends to last longer, too.
So, the next time someone says intimacy is all about s*x, feel free to drop a little Daniel Craig wisdom on them. Because true intimacy? That’s the feeling of being emotionally naked, completely vulnerable and open with someone, whether you’re having deep conversations at 2 a.m. or just enjoying each other’s company without saying a word. Now THAT’s s*xy.
But let’s not forget about s*x being intimate. NGL, if people like to believe that having or doing the deed with their partner, makes them intimate then they are definitely living in a bubble or are lying to their partner. As we mentioned intimacy is so much more and the path to s*x becoming intimate must go through the path of emotional intimacy first.
First Published: September 04, 2024 11:24 PM
