"الحميمية العاطفية تتعلق بالاتصال، ليس بالاستهلاك."

Erotic intimacy focuses on creating a bond between two people, rather than treating each other like objects or products to be used and discarded. It's all about building a deep, emotional connection, rather than just satisfying physical desires.

Think about the times in history when relationships were often transactional. In eras where marriages were arranged for wealth or status, couples might have lacked genuine intimacy, because their union wasn't about a heartfelt connection. Instead, it was more like a business deal. This quote pushes back against that notion, reminding us that true intimacy goes beyond the physical—it’s about emotionally engaging with and understanding your partner.

Imagine a couple, Alex and Jamie. They’ve been together for years. At first, their relationship was all fireworks and passion. But as time passed, they began to drift apart, caught up in their routines, careers, and personal goals. They started going through the motions, and their intimate moments felt more like checking a box than truly connecting.

One evening, they decided to set everything aside—phones, work worries, future plans—and just be present with each other. They talked, reminisced about their early days, shared their fears and dreams. They laughed and cried. That night, their intimacy wasn't about the physical act, but about rediscovering the connection that had brought them together in the first place. They found that by truly engaging with each other, their physical intimacy also deepened, becoming more meaningful.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by really listening to your partner. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and have a genuine conversation. Share your thoughts, your worries, and your dreams. Be vulnerable. It’s not always easy—sometimes it’s downright scary—but it’s essential for building that deep connection.

Let’s imagine you're at that coffee shop, talking with your best friend. Your friend is struggling with their relationship, feeling like they're just going through the motions. You might say, “Hey, it sounds like you two need to reconnect. Why not have a night where you just talk? No distractions, just the two of you. Remember why you fell in love in the first place.”

It’s like when you were a kid and made a new friend. You didn’t become best friends because you hung out at the same playground—you bonded over shared secrets, adventures, and late-night talks. That’s the kind of connection erotic intimacy should foster.

In essence, this quote is a reminder. It's urging us to treat our partners as more than just a means to an end. It’s about seeing and valuing them as whole, complex people with whom we share our deepest selves. It’s about connection, not consumption. So next time, think about how you can create a moment of connection—whether it’s a heart-to-heart talk, a shared experience, or just a quiet evening together. That’s where true intimacy lies.