“The Opposite Of Loneliness"

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 by joyin

“The opposite of loneliness, it’s not togetherness. It is intimacy.”
- Richard Bach, “The Bridge Across Forever”

“When I read that line about intimacy in the book, it stood out for me. I’ve seen many couples who, despite being together all their lives, lack intimacy. I’ve heard about husbands and wives who barely speak to each other except to exchange tactical how-to’s throughout the day. Loneliness prevails in many households, and it’s not for lack of physical proximity between bodies. It’s for lack of intimate connections between hearts and minds. The dictionary offers the following definitions for the word: “a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group; a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of.”

Intimacy- really knowing, understanding and honoring another person- is what dispels loneliness. That beautiful bond with another human being that allows you to be free and completely yourself, knowing that no matter what you say or share, the other person will love you. I’ve learned in my short life that intimacy doesn’t come from sharing the same physical space with someone. Far from it. It comes from sharing mental, spiritual and emotional space. When you have it, it wraps itself around and takes hold of you like nothing else can. Like returning to a mother’s womb, intimacy gives us that safe, nurturing and purely loving space in which to thrive. And, from my experience, it’s the cornerstone of every good and joyful relationship.”

- http://joyin.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/the-opposite-of-loneliness/

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“Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.”

 - Elbert Hubbard