ABSTRACT
Desire for an intimate, secure relationship is a major driving force in the decision to marry. An intimate marriage facilitates sexual desire. Intimacy is broad-based, not limited to sexual intercourse or even sexuality. Intimacy involves both emotional and sexual dimensions. A prime function of marital sexuality is to reinforce and deepen intimacy. Intimacy is higher during pleasuring and afterplay-less so during intercourse itself. Traditionally, intimacy has been strongly valued by women and undervalued by men. Intimacy is of as much value for men as for women. Most important is the role of intimacy in nurturing, energizing, and strengthening the marital bond.
