Like the kind of connection where someone touches your back in passing, makes you coffee without asking, or listens — really listens — when you talk.
Not a hookup, not a quick fix. Just… presence. Warmth. The safety of being wanted for more than your body.
Sometimes I think that kind of intimacy is rarer than sex itself. Do you ever feel that way?
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Honestly I’d rather snuggle than have sex most of the time. I love the feeling of just being comfortable with someone without satisfying an urge. I’ve always been more romantic than sexual though
This is very common. More or less rare depending on the circles you hang with.
I was married for 20 years to a woman who didn’t want me to see her cry, and literally ran from people who cried. It almost destroyed me. Today I have many intimate connections, many people who really listen, some connections are physical some not. I’m not married and I don’t really care – I have everything I need.
Yesssss
Yes. I love the post sex snuggles and hugs even more than sex itself. Its also why I consider myself demisexual. Just having sex with a random person without that intimate connection and affection is kinda mid and often not that enjoyabel
very common
This is my kind of connection! This is what I need before we can ever be intimate. I guess that’s why I have had so many relationships with my best friends. We definitely have to be friends first. I need and intimate connection with you before I can even think of letting you inside of me. I am an extremely emotional Cancer.
You mean affection?
Wait, there’s such a thing as intimacy without sex? Isn’t that just like a sandwich without the fillings
Of course. All the time. I love having sex with my partner but the nonsexual intimacy is a much bigger proportion of our relationship, because there are so many more moments of opportunity for affection and companionship than sex. We’re in this relationship for life, can’t be boinking 24/7, and there are a million tiny but important ways to maintain the connection between us.
Best thing ever is naked snuggling. Sometimes it leads to sex. Sometimes it’s just getting as close to each other as we can get without actually crawling into each other’s skin. lol. It’s comforting, it feels safe, it helps the autonomic nervous system chill out. Being that close, feeling that safe, and talking about anything and everything until we both fall asleep is one of the most precious things about our relationship.
Its very nice. It happens when you are so connected with that person.
But to be clear, feeling that connected happens through and with having sex with them, managing life with them, and trust and respecting them.
So it’s amazing, but not fully devoid of having a association with sex.
Sure. You don’t realize you miss it until you are in complete isolation though. No family, friends, or animals.
Yes, the randoms hugs with my boyfriend make me feel more connected with him than any time we’ve had sex.
That’s definitely how I’m feeling right now after a break-up. I don’t want to hook up or follow around, but I would love someone to come hang out and maybe cuddle.
Sex is a small part of intimacy.
Sometimes, but I have been single for so long I’m comfortable not having it. But at certain times I get the urge for it
No, but I’m also never alone. However, I understand what you mean. Touch starvation is what you are talking about. It’s a very real thing. Be careful with isolation. If you don’t have an inner circle of friends or a partner, reach out to someone soon.