“FAMILY – POLITICS – GLOBALIZATION” FAMILY INTIMACY

Intimacy is a key component of relational bonds, associated not only with sex but with every aspect of what each member of a family expresses in the way he or she can do so. How does it take place? What are the existing approaches towards the family to weigh intimacy? How is inti­macy construed, and how can it be widely understood? Intimacy is not static: it changes over time and is different throughout the family life cycle, as well as through the various stages of each of the family members. Why is intimacy relevant? Intimacy is a value, and its nature goes beyond what is often expected: it constructs or deconstructs the family. Because it is deeply connected to feelings, thoughts, beliefs, traditions, and culture, working with intimacy in each member may lead to the armor-plating of the family. Now, the construction of each person as a human individual does not just happen; it requires time, techniques, love, respect, and intimacy, which directly leads to self--fidelity. In turn, self-fidelity in each member of the family can produce what is known as a family coat of arms. While broken intimacy can destroy a person’s self-esteem and, consequently, meaning­ful, long-lasting relationships, armor-plating intimacy can develop deeply enriched human individ­uals who bring who they are and what they possess to ultimately weave a strong society. As a result, a society that protects and fosters intimacy not only pays attention to what damages exist and should be prevented but to what makes people live in generous self-donation. Intimacy lets a person know his/her value; therefore, intimacy is the strongest value and technique to assess what we are, what we need, and what we want.