The Value of Intimate Relationships and the Challenge of Conflict

Abstract

The value and importance of human intimacy is examined as acomplex combination of passion, commitment, friendship, andlove. Models of healthy and unhealthy conflict in relationshipsare offered as well as suggestions for moving from unhealthyexpressions of conflict to healthy ones.   Human intimacy is a complex combination of passion, commitment,friendship, and love in which two individuals experiencea compelling desire for ongoing close interaction with each other.Such interactions typically span the full range of human activity.Intimate relationships are social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual.They support work, leisure, and learning. Unfortunately,popular media (television, movies, books, magazines) often offer amodern view of the risks of intimacy, which seems to imply thatattempting to find a life-partner is fraught with such peril and lowprobability of success that one might better spend the time learninghow to be comfortably alone. There is a great sadness to such awidespread perception. We are in fact social creatures. At the verycenter of our social system is, or should be, deeply caring relationships.Intimate relationships provide mutual support, mutual fulfillment,and promote positive growth and development. These relationshipsare the bedrock of the fundamental social system: thefamily. It is important then to affirm the value of intimacy and toidentify ways to maintain a healthy intimate relationship. As a beginning,let's examine some of the benefits of such relationships.