The Intimate Activities of Friendship

Intimacy can come in many forms that we don’t often see or realize. We often think of intimacy as something physical and sexual. It can also mean something “Non-sexual.” Here’s a thought that had struck my mind last week. Before two people would get into a relationship, they become friends. Once they are friends, they have already established a connection. As a connection is first established, they have already jumped the mark that most couples don’t do until they begin their relationship. And that’s doing intimate activities with each other, becoming intimate. Sometimes as friends, one person will develop desired feelings for the other person, ask him or her out, and then somehow it makes things a tad bit awkward because the other person will feel that things may not work out, and it will jeopardize the friendship/ relationship. When the person doubts a relationship, they’re afraid of moving forward. They’re afraid to get a bit closer with the friend, but forget how they have already become an intimate couple.

When reality sparks, we forget to see the intimacy build up when we associate ourselves with other people of the opposite, or same sex. The only thing that holds people back from a good relationship is the mind, and the mind can control a lot of situations that will cause setbacks and doubt.  So if your mind is telling you to hold back on the relationship, why not keep going and let the love/Intimacy continue to increase? You've already done many intimate things with that person when you even didn't realize it. It takes reality and physicality to begin a relationship, but it takes the mentality to hold everything back. Stay ahead of the mind.

If the intimacy of a friendship is great for a friendship, it can be great for a potential relationship. Here’s a list of activities that friends do everyday that will possibly grow into a better relationship. You’ll be surprised at the intimate things you’ve done.

Watching TV/movies together.

Going to events, dates, or shopping.

Sharing secrets.

Hugging.

Sharing drinks.

Phone conversations and talking in person.

Cuddling.

Have deep philosophical discussions.

Holding hands or linking arms.

Sharing jokes.

Smiling to each other.

Laying your head on someone’s shoulder.

Body massages, scratching backs, or tickling.

Playing with each other’s hair.

Talking about the future.

Hand writing notes to each other.

Singing together or playing instruments .

Dancing.

Feeding each other.

Brushing your partners hair

Sharing food and cooking together.

Sitting knee to knee across from each other.

Reading books together.

Taking care of someone when your partner is sick.

Talking about the relationship (how I feel with you, How I feel w/ this relationship)

discussions about yourselves (like flaws, shortcomings, passions, stuff)

Being physically/emotionally vulnerable.

Sleeping together.

Meditating or sharing spirituality.

Sharing hobbies.

Moral support for major events.

Crying, sharing emotions, and comforting each other.

Camping and hiking.

Sleepovers.

Sharing online social media.

Cleaning someone else’s living space.

Going with them to a doctor/therapist.

Doing art together.

Volunteer together.

Work together.

Talk about wants and desires.

Experiencing new things together.

Playing games and sports together.

Long walks together.

Being respectful and kind to one another (helping them do things, open doors for them etc.)

Sharing responsibilities (chores, babysitting etc.)

Giving each other presents, special things from the heart.

Talking about, and respecting each others boundaries.

Grooming in front of each other.

Electronic Communication.

Gazing in each other’s eyes and complimenting each other.

Making faces at each other.

Sky watching.

Write poetry.

@RonaldAtkinson9