This can be a bit of a contentious and personal question. I think if you ask that question at different ages and stages you will get quite a different answer. It also depends on the relationships you have with the important people in your life that you love and trust.
Twenty year old me would certainly have a very different perspective on intimacy than my 62 year old self. The things that were important to me then would now seem quite shallow perhaps as much of what my twenty year old self felt was valued was very much defined by how I looked and how I presented myself.
Twenty year old me would not have had the same connection with their current partner as my current self.
So, what is intimacy? Intimacy is about having a connection with that special person in your life. It is about taking time out from our busy – and sometimes stressful lives – and just being with each other. Being present may be that few words are spoken, but having a close connection with each other. Talking about things that are important to us both and fully being there and really listening without having the events of daily life intrude.
Intimacy is also about feeling loved. Not just in a physical sense, but being with someone who makes you feel valued and appreciated, that you continue to be an important part of their world despite the complications your health issues bring.
Intimacy also means that you take yourself away from your own issues and make yourself present for your partner. Just focussing on each other and being there for each other. Feeling valued and special and loved.
Intimacy means so many things to so many people. It can simply be sharing a bottle of wine together and really listening to each other. It can be many things and can change day by day and year by year.
Intimacy to me is knowing that the person I am with is the most important person in my world and knowing in my heart that I am his.
My journey with Parkinsons 