Many people think intimacy refers to sexual activity.
Although intimacy may include sexual activity, intimacy itself is much broader than this. Intimacy includes important non-sexual aspects of a relationship such as love, respect, emotional openness, commitment, communication, and kindness. Even the more physical part of intimacy includes many intimate aspects that are not sexual per se such as sitting next to each other, a loving touch, holding hands, hugging, and cuddling. Individuals with intimacy difficulties have trouble relating in the above ways. Difficulties with intimacy are common.