Intimacy and Sexuality

Intimacy is often associated with sexuality. Indeed they are potentially connected but certainly not the same.

Intimacy is about sharing oneself with another which can involve physical and sexual intimacy but really, it is much more than this.

The act of sex may have nothing whatsoever to do with an emotional commection, a loving bond, or a deep love and care for another. Sex for much of society is an animal instinct, a duty, or obligation. The connection between sex and love may not exist at all in many couples and seems to be diminishing in much of our society.

Yet, deep, loving sexual intimacy may very well be a reflection of the emotional bond between two partners. Human mating has evolved to be something much different than the animal mating found in much of the world. Some anthropoligsts suggest face to face mating evolved in the human as a way to deepen the connection and compassion between partners. It is certainly a possibility and allows for seeing the beauty and pleasure of one's partner.

As conscious human beings, we have the capacity for sexual intimacy to facilitate the deep passionate emotional relationships with our committed partners or we can revert back to the animal mating of the past; mating without care, concern, or compassion.