Why is intimacy important in a romantic relationship?

[passenger]

Is it really that important for you too?

[blunty]

Intimacy in a romantic relationship is like the secret sauce that keeps things flavorful. It's not just about the physical aspect, though that's often what people first think about.

Imagine you're sharing a connection with someone that goes beyond the usual surface level stuff. That's intimacy. It's about feeling deeply connected, understood, and valued by your partner. Some kind of openness and vulnerability is crucial. It's like you're giving your partner the backstage pass to your life, and they're doing the same. That's where the magic happens.

Physical intimacy, of course, is important too. It's not just about the act itself; it's about the closeness, the touch, the feeling of being wanted and desired.

[DaveJord]

I mean what defines a romantic relationship to you?

intimacy (noun) - close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
"the intimacy between a husband and wife"

For most mean you can achieve a close familiarity or Friendship with anyone. But in general, we do that with our guy freinds and we do not consider that to being anything close to romantic.

So, when men talk romantic, they want that with a woman. But how do you achieve that without intimacy?

romance (noun) - a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

So, a man can have love for a man, and have it not be romance by definition. But let's be honest, for most men romance means emotional and physical Intimacy with a woman. Because men and woman, can achieve a higher level of emotional and physical intimacy that far surpasses anything he can achieve with a man.

Men can achieve close friendships with a man without having to make himself emotionally or physically vulnerable. But when it comes to women, we are nothing but vulnerable on an emotional level... so if she cannot commit to a level of physical intimacy... that speaks more about her and where she is as a person on her level of confidence about the man.

So, if she does not commit to the romance of the relationship in an emotional and physical way... then yes over time that relationship become less important, and he will look at other options that are willing to take that step with him.

Is it really all that important? That answer all depends on how important it is to you. If you put a low priority on romance and intimacy... then so will he when it comes to being with you. If that is all you want from a man, then yes intimacy and romance is not important. But he can and may prefer to do that with his guy freinds more than a woman that doesn't want to commit to the next level... because for a guy there is no next level when it comes to his guys freinds. And lets be honest, guy freinds are less demanding and do not put the same level of expectations on a man vs. that of a woman.

But you if truly desire a close and strong relationship with a man, then intimacy and romance become the most important thing. Because only a woman can offer a straight man that level of intimacy and romance. For straight men, when talk intimacy and romance we only want it with a woman. Because most men cannot achieve that next level of real intimacy with woman without the physical closeness of a truly intimate and romantic relationship.

So if you do not desire that with a man, then romance and intimacy is not important. But if you want to date and be with a man, it is the most important thing a woman can offer to him, that he can get nowhere else but from a woman.

[caring__1]

First of all, realize intimacy is not limited to sex. People can have sex and not be intimate. It is common for people to masturbate on another person's body without sharing a true connection. True intimacy is showing your partner complete vulnerability and trusting your partner won't hurt you with whatever is shared. When we discover safety with true vulnerability, it draws people closer, providing a deeper dimension that isn't possible when people choose to remain superficial. There isn't a better feeling than knowing this is the place where you can be totally exposed, yet feel unconditional caring, respect and safety. There is too much insensitivity, inconsideration and cruelty in the world today. Finding a safe refuge with a loving partner, knowing we are accepted and appreciated as ourselves, without fear of judgment, control or pain is beautiful.

[Sirenboobzilla]

Intimacy, in all of its forms, is necessary. It's how we connect to eachother in a spiritual, emotional and physical level. You can have regular conversations, hugs, outings, sex, etc. But having intimate conversions where you can pour your heart out and feel heard, embracing hugs where you feel comforted and loved, dates where you feel like there's no one else in the world but your partner, and sex where you feel like everything comes together in perfect euphoria.

[sheikalana]

Is not only important it is necessary. That's a great way to connect to your partner and show them love.

[sawno]

Because the whole point of the relationship is companionship and being exclusively intimate with each other rather than also with other people. So if I am going to be committed to only share my intimacy with her, then obviously intimacy is highly important for someone like me who craves intimacy.

[BadApple69]

Yes, intimacy is extremely important. First off there is a whole brain chemical part of the equation. During sex a lot of “feel good” chemicals are released in our brains. Seman actually acts like an anti-depressant for the woman. These things make for a happier relationship.
Without it there is sexual frustration, fights and overall unhappiness.

[JacobJordan]

Sex is an emotional bond. For both men and women it literally is a major part of pair bonding. Which is the connection that makes 2 people a team rather than a man and a woman in a relationship. It brings 2 people closer emotionally, helps with communication, trust, love, passion etc

[IslaTheWitch]

Intimacy adds a new dimension with very strong emotions. Theoretically, it's possible to have a relationship without intimacy. But I wouldn't go in this direction.

[nastyb]

usually when there is a lack of intimacy, it is usually there is some sort of problem in the relationship. If you both wanted each other enough, there WILL be intimacy.

[Billlewis]

It's only important that she at least occasionally has intercourse with another guy, not necessarily that I'm allowed to have intercourse with her.

[Joshydavid25]

Because that's what differentiates it from other relationships.. Without intimacy it might as well be a platonic friendship.. I mean your SO is basically your best friend with the added layer of being intimate..

[Dargil]

Especially early on, it is central to feeling connected. More so for males because we are validated by sexual intimacy.

[HawkPerception]

What is a relationship without intimacy? Friendship. If you're just looking for platonic relationships, then all you're looking for is friends.

[Anonymous]

Because a guy could sleep with ANY woman. That ain't hard to do. But finding a woman who wants you and ONLY you. That is hard to find. That's what makes her special. This is why time spent bonding together is oh so important.

[Raaj4you]

Yes, it is really important for me. I can't stay in a relationship without having sex. I have seen many couples whose relationship didn't last due to lack of intimacy.

[Nerdvana]

If you ever want to know if a guy is in lust with or in love with you? Intimacy is the line he will be willing to cross.

[DextroShade]

Without intimacy it isn't really a romantic relationship.

[Staximus]

How romantic is the relationship going to be with no intimacy?

[Guanfei]

It is. Not only it strengthen the bond between the partners, but without intimacy, a relationship is basically friendship.

[Anonymous]

Because if you don't have that you don't have a romantic relationship. That's a friend or acquaintance.

[Anonymous]

Cos romance is about being intimate… if you dont see the importance of intimacy just make a lot of friends lol

[Charliefretz329]

It’s basically the center of a romantic relationship

[Anonymous]

Because we need to be loved and heard in a deep way. Most relationships won’t have this but your with your future spouse it’s important for a life long relationship

[Djaay]

Romance is just.. lust. Without intimacy,
What are you in a relationship for?