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Definition of Intimacy

By Bonny Albo, About.com

Definition:

1. The closeness shared between two people that are friends.

2. Of a personal or private nature.

3. A euphemism for an illicit sexual encounter.

Note: There is little consensus regarding a set definition for the word intimacy, especially when it comes to dating relationships. As well, there are different types of intimacy: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. In recent years the term intimacy has come to refer to physical, or sexual contact, rather than all four types combined.

Also Known As: closeness, familiarity
Examples: "The many faces of intimacy: the Victorians could experience it through correspondence, but not through cohabitation; contemporary men and women can experience it through fornication, but not through friendship." - Thomas Szasz

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