39
Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson
It takes time to know who you really are, what you want, and to build trust and a healthy relationship. Sex-too-
soon can cloud a person’s ability to see the relationship or other person clearly.
Verbal
This connection is about being able to talk. When partners find each other interesting to talk to,
when they can share thoughts and feelings freely, they feel close.
Emotional
This connection is about sharing inner thoughts and feelings—dreams, fears, and
vulnerabilities. You expect understanding, acceptance, and affirmation. Emotional intimacy requires trust—
feeling safe to share what’s in your heart.
Social
This connection is about time together doing things they both enjoy. Shared activities and interests
fuel a sense of closeness and connection.
Spiritual
When couples talk about what’s really important—like their values, what’s influenced their
life, or religious, philosophical, moral, and political beliefs—that is spiritual. Talking on this level enhances
their connection.
Commitment
This is about supporting each other’s goals and wellbeing. You can trust each other to be
there. This connection is about trust, caring, faithfulness, and mutual support.
Physical
Physical intimacy is not all or nothing but a continuum from holding hands, hugging, kissing,
cuddling, caressing, and on to more intimate forms of sexual involvement.
Ebony, 19: “When I look at this chart on intimacy, I think
about my relationship with AJ. We started going together
junior year. We had fun, could really talk, and had
strong feelings for each other. I can honestly say that
we had a good relationship. After graduation, I had the
opportunity to work and travel in Europe, but AJ didn’t
want me to go. I realized then I wasn’t ready for that
level of commitment. I still had a lot of exploring to do.
Am I ever glad that I had stuck to my boundaries on
sex and that AJ respected them. I think now, what if
I’d gotten pregnant? No way were either of us ready to
be parents. As it turned out, we broke up shortly after
graduation. I learned from that experience and left with no regrets. It’s okay
to have a great relationship in high school without feeling you have to have sex
or commit to a future.”
Intimacy—
It’s More than a
Physical Thing
Sex is not only for touching a person’s body it also touch the soul. can be experienced emotionally physically—and when it’s embodied in a mutually
loving, caring, trusting, and mature relationship, it can yield great pleasure and meaning.
intimacy—it’s
more
than
a
physical
thing
Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson
It takes time to know who you really are, what you want, and to build trust and a healthy relationship. Sex-too-
soon can cloud a person’s ability to see the relationship or other person clearly.
Verbal
This connection is about being able to talk. When partners find each other interesting to talk to,
when they can share thoughts and feelings freely, they feel close.
Emotional
This connection is about sharing inner thoughts and feelings—dreams, fears, and
vulnerabilities. You expect understanding, acceptance, and affirmation. Emotional intimacy requires trust—
feeling safe to share what’s in your heart.
Social
This connection is about time together doing things they both enjoy. Shared activities and interests
fuel a sense of closeness and connection.
Spiritual
When couples talk about what’s really important—like their values, what’s influenced their
life, or religious, philosophical, moral, and political beliefs—that is spiritual. Talking on this level enhances
their connection.
Commitment
This is about supporting each other’s goals and wellbeing. You can trust each other to be
there. This connection is about trust, caring, faithfulness, and mutual support.
Physical
Physical intimacy is not all or nothing but a continuum from holding hands, hugging, kissing,
cuddling, caressing, and on to more intimate forms of sexual involvement.
Ebony, 19: “When I look at this chart on intimacy, I think
about my relationship with AJ. We started going together
junior year. We had fun, could really talk, and had
strong feelings for each other. I can honestly say that
we had a good relationship. After graduation, I had the
opportunity to work and travel in Europe, but AJ didn’t
want me to go. I realized then I wasn’t ready for that
level of commitment. I still had a lot of exploring to do.
Am I ever glad that I had stuck to my boundaries on
sex and that AJ respected them. I think now, what if
I’d gotten pregnant? No way were either of us ready to
be parents. As it turned out, we broke up shortly after
graduation. I learned from that experience and left with no regrets. It’s okay
to have a great relationship in high school without feeling you have to have sex
or commit to a future.”
Intimacy—
It’s More than a
Physical Thing
Sex is not only for touching a person’s body it also touch the soul. can be experienced emotionally physically—and when it’s embodied in a mutually
loving, caring, trusting, and mature relationship, it can yield great pleasure and meaning.
intimacy—it’s
more
than
a
physical
thing
