Hi Readers!
This week’s article is about intimacy and alternatives to sexual intercourse. In a world so focused on penetration, its important to explore what is beyond that. I’m sure you can find something amazing.
Everyone lives their sexuality and intimacy in their own way, whichever way suits them best, however they feel comfortable.
What does intimacy mean to you? (Yes, you need to answer this question now.)
How do you define intimacy? (Yessss, you need to answer this question, too.)
The concept of intimacy is defined in different ways. Sometimes, we think of intimacy as two people having sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be defined by nudity or solo sexual practices, like masturbation. For some, intimacy only refers to the sexual organs.
For others, intimacy encompasses emotional proximity, sharing, self-revelation and specific experiences related to intimacy. Intimacy is about well-being, confidence in connection with affection, perception and cognitive state before, during and after the exchange of intimacy. This is what I want you to think about and figure out (if you haven’t explored it yet).
Intimacy is a close, familiar and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.
Sexuality is one of the core elements of what it is to be human. When we speak of sexuality, we speak of biological sex, sexual identity, sexual roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is also expressed with thoughts, fantasies, beliefs, relationships, roles, practices, behaviour, and desires.
What are alternatives to intercourse?
– Being physically close and intimate
– Touching, stroking, oral sex
– Kissing
– Massaging
– Talking
– Holdings hands, holding each other
– Taking a bath together
– Using sex toys and other accessories
Communicate with yourself and/or your partner about your needs, fears, worries, feelings, what you like and what you don’t like. You may feel a little nervous at the start the conversation, but that’s okay. Your partner may feel the same way. Figure it out together, learn together.
In early 2021, we will be publishing an intimacy course that you will be able to purchase if you are interested in diving deeper into the subject intimacy. We will explore the components of intimacy and skills to better integrate intimacy into your relationships.
Be kind to one another!
Julia, Sexologist
Julia, Sexologist 