In the episode, we talk about the 7 elements that define an intimate relationship. They are:
- Knowledge - forming deep, intimate relationships, we share a vast amount of personal information that we would not necessarily feel comfortable sharing with others.
- Interdependence - tend to be highly interdependent, wherein each partner influences the other ranging from what to eat for dinner to where to live.
- Care - a considerable amount of care each partner places in the other, and this differs from the care that one would typically display to another, non-intimate person
- Trust - is the confidence that we place in another human being to act in a way of honor and fairness that is of benefit to us, or at the very least, that our partner will not cause us purposeful harm
- Responsiveness - this means recognizing, understanding, and supporting each other, both in times of pain (e.g., losing a parent or a job) and gain (e.g., getting a promotion, announcing a pregnancy).
- Mutuality – to go from “me” to “we” – each partner recognizes a close connection and changes his or her point of view. Mutual respect for each other.
- Commitment – this is the component where there needs to be a mutual mindset for both parties wanting the relationship to continue indefinitely.
So, with all these 7 elements - Why is intimacy sometimes a problem? Well, let's find out. Join me (Bazz) with Nina, BJ, and LaTonia as we give some insight into the 7 elements of Intimacy.
