3 Ways to Practice Intimacy Without Sex

Because.... "How we do one thing is how we do everything."

Intimacy is often used as a code word for sex. And there’s a common assumption that happens that I have experienced that brings up confusion when interacting in the dating world. Particularly for me. Let me expand.

Generally speaking, we have been modeled and often default to assume without asking (for further description or explanation). And from our assumptions, move into actions, accusations, or avoidances to drive home the point. This is something that all of us do in one way or another. In teeny tiny ways, and sometimes in bigger ways that can lead to friction, conflict, freeze/fawn, or even cause greater challenges like feelings of harm or violation.

More often than not, people are not intending to do something hurtful or harmful to another person. But rather, are often moving too quickly and from a place of agenda rather than co…