“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25).

When most people think of intimacy, they generally think about sexual intimacy, but intimacy is about much more than sex.  There are several ways to be intimate with your spouse, and physical intimacy (which includes sexual intercourse), is just one.  A healthy and strong marriage is one in which you are intimate in EVERY way, with your spouse.  Then you really are as ONE, and no longer two, which is God’s intention for every marriage (Gen 2:24).

So intimacy is not another word for sex, nor is it another word for love.  You can love someone without being intimate with them, and you can have sex with someone without intimacy!  But can you be intimate with someone you do not love?  What is intimacy?

If I may give it a try, I would say “intimacy is having a deep knowledge, understanding and affection for someone with whom you have a close relationship and are also known, understood and loved deeply“.  Intimacy is mutual, it is not a one-sided affair.  It requires a commitment to the other person, based on a recognition of your love…

Read more at https://blog.ufuomaee.org/the-marriage-abcs-i