Intimacy, Specific Threats to

Intimacy is a multidimensional construct that can be measured in relation to the intellectual, interpersonal, affective, and physical aspects of a relationship. Couple intimacy is often understood in the context of relationship processes, communication patterns, and behavioral themes shared between partners. Discrepancies in partners’ perceptions of emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy, when present, directly affect their relationship satisfaction. Perceived opportunities for increasing intimacy and closeness predict greater relationship stability, and stability is essential in achieving intimacy satisfaction between partners. Emotional and sexual aspects of intimacy in romantic relationships are two of the most important correlates of intimacy satisfaction, and these directly influence couple relationship outcomes in distinct ways. First, sexually satisfied partners may not necessarily feel emotionally close, and second, feelings of emotional closeness ...