(Sensitive) Identify responsible ways to express emotional and physical intimacy.

Identification should include

• the importance of mutual consent
• seven different kinds of intimacy (i.e., emotional, physical, social, intellectual, recreational, aesthetic, spiritual)
• differences in responsible and irresponsible behaviors associated with emotional and physical intimacy
• how couples may display emotional intimacy (e.g., meaningful conversation, careful listening, words of encouragement or appreciation, sharing of deepest feelings and thoughts).

Identification should also include resources for getting help in situations of abuse, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline Links to an external site. and the National Dating Abuse Hotline Links to an external site. and 866-331-9474.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What role does the media play in forming behaviors regarding emotional and physical intimacy?
• What role is played by the attitudes and behaviors of peers?
• What is the importance of each of the seven types of intimacy in a relationship?
• What criteria can be used to determine whether a behavior is responsible or irresponsible?

Communication

• How can communication skills help people handle conflicts that may arise from emotional and physical intimacy?
• What communication skills can help people experience emotional intimacy?
• Who might one communicate with when questions arise about intimacy?

Leadership

• What ethical standards might help you make decisions regarding emotional and physical intimacy?
• What might be the consequences of unrealistic expectations about emotional and physical intimacy?

Management

• What resources can help people establish responsible behavior in relationships?
• What steps can be taken to end relationships that encourage irresponsible behavior?