1. Intimate Relationships and Aspects of Love

2. What is the difference between
LOVE
and INFATUATION?

3. IMPORTANCE OF LOVE: LOVE: Our culture is obsessed with Love!
What are some examples you can think of?
LOVE:
Essential to life
Binds us as partner, parents, friends
Creates bonds that enable us to endure hardship
Gives us meaning

4. COMMON WAYS TO DESCRIBE LOVE:
Trust
Caring
Honesty
Friendship
Respect
Concern for the other’s well being
Loyalty
Commitment
Acceptance
Supportiveness
Wanting to be with the other
Interest in the other

5. Intimate Relationships
*** All intimate relationships have one thing in common: They include at least SOME of the 15 Aspects of Love we are about to discuss! ***

6. 1. Intellectual Intimacy
There is a high level of understanding when together
When together you can talk about anything and everything

7. 2. Emotional Intimacy
You feel at peace with this person and they make you feel good
Just being in his or her presence makes you feel better

8. 3. Social Intimacy
You would seek out this person because you are proud to be with them and they make you feel good
You know he or she will not betray you in front of others or alone

9. 4. Recreational Intimacy
You have fun with this person, even when you are not doing anything particularly exciting
You enjoy doing many of the same things

10. 5. Conflict Resolution Intimacy
You are not afraid to disagree with this person (nicely!)
You know you can work though any problems that you may have

11. 6. Affection
You like to hug, kiss and be affectionate with this person
This involves sexual feelings

12. 7. Cohesion You feel a sense of contentment with him or her
When problems occur (not enough money to pay bills, problems raising kids) you want to stay and work it out no matter what it takes!

13. 8. Identity
You are neither “too good” for each other, or “not good enough”
You can be yourself without any false pretences
You are able to keep your own identity while still having an intimate relationship

14. 9. Compatibility You enjoy the same kinds of activities
You tend to like the same friends
You “get” each other

15. 10. Autonomy You can be yourself around this person
You feel like an independent human being, and you are able to balance your relationship with other aspects of your life
This person allows you space and “your own life” without feelings of mistrust or guilt

16. 11. Expressiveness You say what you want to say
You can express anything and be accepted
When you talk to this person, he or she does not use body language or words to put you down
You can enjoy silence without feeling uncomfortable

17. 12. Self-Disclosure
You can tell this person a secret knowing he or she will not tell
You can talk with this person about issues important to you and your well-being

18. 13. Empathy
They understand how you feel and they support you when you are feeling down

19. 14. Mutuality They feel the same way you do about them
You feel that you have similar goals and “dreams” for the future

20. 15. Trust You do not fear this person in any way
You know he or she is on your side
You truly believe his person has your best interest at heart and he or she would not hurt you.

21. What Else do you think?
What other aspects of relationships are important?
What aspects have you found important in your own relationships?