“Family – Politics – Globalization” Family intimacy

Maria Elena Garcia Jimenez

Abstract

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 through 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, 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, what we want.