Sex And Intimacy: Sex and intimacy are often used as interchangeable terms. The two terms are quite different. While sex is about physical relations, intimacy goes beyond the boundaries of a physical connection. It includes emotions and anything else that helps to develop a healthy relationship.
Are Sex And Intimacy The Same?
Sex and intimacy are two different terms. Physical relation is a part of intimacy, but the latter term encompasses more. It allows people to become comfortable in each other’s company.
Intercourse can bring you pleasure, joy, and satisfaction. It adds passion to the relationship. However, intimacy builds an emotional connection. It makes people in relationships feel content, secure, and happy.
Does Sex Count As Intimacy?
Sex is an integral part of intimacy. It is sexual intimacy that might bring two people close together, but it alone cannot help you build a relationship. The role of sex is to elevate intimacy between romantic partners.
It does have benefits for your physical and psychological well-being. According to a study published in Sleep Foundation, sex and orgasm can help you improve your sleep pattern. Other studies have concluded that it can boost your immunity, reduce stress, and elevate your mood.
What Are The 4 Levels Of Intimacy?
There are four levels of intimacy including
Sexual Intimacy: It refers to sex (Why Women Have Sex) along with trust and vulnerability. Couples in sexual intimacy share emotions and feel closer to each other.
Emotional Intimacy: When you are emotionally intimate with a person, you feel you can trust them with anything. You don’t feel that they will be judgemental about your feelings or actions, and it allows you to be vulnerable in their company.
Physical Intimacy: This level of intimacy allows the couple to come closer with the help of physical touches. It could be a hug, a kiss, a peck on the cheek, holding hands, tussling hair, etc. It develops a feeling of closeness between partners.
Spiritual Intimacy: Spiritual intimacy is believed to be achieved when two people think alike or shape a belief system. They feel devoted to each other and love spending time together.
For any healthy relationship, if you have all four levels of intimacy, you can lead a happy life.
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Is Sex Better Than Intimacy?
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Not many couples would believe that sex is not necessary to achieve intimacy (Myths About Intimacy), at least not just the act. In our Women of the Month session a few months back, Apurupa Vatsalya (She/They), a comprehensive sexuality educator, said, “One needs to expand the idea of what sex entails.” Even the definition of sex and intimacy can differ from person to person.
She added that most people believe that sex is the act of penetration, but she believes that it is more than that. She said, “Sex can even begin by just sending a message to each other.”
The comprehensive sexuality educator said that apart from the act, it is what goes into it that forms a connection. It could be cuddling, passing one other tissue, or talking about what worked for both of you. It contributes to the entire sexual experience, which helps to build intimacy and helps you achieve orgasm.
Instead of confusing sex and intimacy, couples should promote open communication. They should be able to share likes and dislikes without worrying about what the other person would think.
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