TEN TYPES OF INTIMACY
1. Emotional Intimacy: The sharing of one’s seif through self—disclosure and
inviting self—disclosure of other(s), i.e., the opening of one’s deepest
feelings to another person.
2. Intellectual Intimacy: The sharing of any thoughts or experiences that
Stimulates a person such as something read, heard, or observed.
3. Spiritual Intimacy: Simply stated, an individual’s sharing or his/her daily
relationship with “Cod”, or what ultimately gives life meaning.
4. Recreational Intimacy: Sharing an activity requiring some form of
recreational exertion, such as bicycling, jogging, playing tennis.
5. Social Intimacy: The sharing that comes in any social setting, ranging
from a dinner party to attending movies or athletic events.
6. Genital Intimacy: Because the term “sex” has such wide connotations,
“genital” specifies intimacy related to genital foreplay, intercourse,
touching, etc.
7. Economic Intimacy: A11 areas related to finances such as budgeting, property
management, investments, speculations, etc.
8. Parenting Intimacy: Any activity relating to children. Couples without
children can relate this area of intimacy to their relationship with their
own parents.
9. Household Intimacy: The sharing developed in the course of regular
household chores or special home projects. This includes everything-from
grocery shopping to building an extra room.
10. Vocational Intimacy: Approximately 40 hours of our week are spent at a job.
This produces a great deal to share with a partner. For the homemaker, an
equally extensive area of one’s life that can be shared.
*From Couple Communication II by E. Nunnally, S. Miller, and D. Wackman.