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Walking the road to intimacy
What strong couples know about building successful relationships
The mystery of the happy relationship has haunted mankind since the dawn of ages. People need connections to each other but how that plays out has made many therapists rich. Children first connect with hopefully loving parents who teach them they are wanted, loved, safe and belong in the world. As they get out into the world they discover other people and a desire to connect with them. Along comes one person with whom they really want to connect and build a life together. Thus the search for intimacy of knowing and being known by another: to find a place where one can be most vulnerable and safe to share that knowledge.
The dictionary defines intimacy as: a close, familiar and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group. As humans, we long for this and depending how it plays out, can make or break a relationship. The late actor Robin Williams said, “ I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.”
The pain and fear of loneliness have driven many to forge quick alliances. They fear that they will never find a better offer, so they take what they get. These alliances come with a steep price tag. Red…
