Sex, intimacy and eroticism: what are the differences?

You are together and close on several levels. You are buddies, best friends, sparring partners, lovers and so much more. There is spiritual and physical intimacy. But what is intimacy? Does intimacy equal sex? And are sex and eroticism the same thing?

Exciting to think about. What do sex, intimacy and eroticism mean to you and your partner? Is sex about play and excitement or about loving from love? Can there be sex without experiencing a sense of intimacy?

Perhaps when you think of intimacy you immediately think of sex but it is really more than that. Because intimacy is just as much about sharing feelings and feeling safe with each other. At whatever level, intimacy is essential to your relationship, to be connected to each other. And then there is physical intimacy: sex but also, for example, kissing, caressing, cuddling and hugging.

Sexual desire and eroticism

If sex is mostly about the lovemaking itself, erotica is more about the imagination. To surprise each other sexually and be (and stay) curious. Because sexual desire comes and goes, is there more and then some less. Sharing your desires with each other can rekindle sexual arousal.

And yes, the terms above mean something different to everyone. For some, intimacy means snuggling up to each other; for others, intimacy equals sex. How beautiful it would be if we try to understand the differences, if they are allowed to exist in relationships.

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