Finding ways to maintain intimacy in a relationship is often a challenge. Even the mere discussion of intimacy often strikes fear into the hearts of many adults. Some of those who fear intimacy often run into the arms of another rather than face the issue of intimacy. This running away from intimacy raises the question as to what it is about intimacy that is so fearful.
One of those reason is honesty. Intimacy forces us to be honest with our spouses. It is often easier for some people to live in a fantasy than to face honesty.
Another reason is vulnerability. Intimacy forces us to be vulnerable and exposes those vulnerabilities. We often seek to protect ourselves from others. Intimacy forces us to expose those often protected parts. It forces us to let down the protective walls.
Intimacy also forces us to recognize that we need someone. We often want to think of ourselves as strong and not needing anyone. Intimacy forces us to recognize that we do need someone else. It forces us to recognize that we dread being alone.
These are some of the fears associated with intimacy. Understanding and discussing these fears will help in overcoming them. Intimacy does not have to be something we run away from, instead it can be something and someone we run towards.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey Murrah
