Physical intimacy is sensual
proximity and/or touching.
[1] It can be enjoyed by itself and/or be an
expression of
feelings (such as close
friendship,
love, and/or sexual attraction) which people have for one another. Examples of physical intimacy include being inside someone's
personal space,
holding hands,
hugging,
kissing,
caressing, and
sexual activity.
The forms of physical intimacy, in order of increasing degree of intimacy (but not necessarily in order of increasing enjoyment), with each form generally including those preceding it, are physical closeness, touching (especially tenderly), touching intimate parts (including outercourse), and sexual penetration.
It is possible to be physically intimate with someone without actually touching him or her; however, a certain proximity is necessary. For instance, proximity and sustained eye contact is a form of physical intimacy. When a person enters someone else's personal space for the purpose of being intimate, it is physical intimacy, regardless of the lack of actual physical contact.
The objective of physical closeness can be a mix in various proportions of desired intimacy and practical aspects, such as lack of space, softness, stability (e.g. in a moving vehicle), and keeping warm; e.g. somebody sits on somebody else's lap, or sleeps leaning on somebody else. Physical closeness may also be involuntary, as in a crowded train or elevator. In such cases eye contact tends to be avoided. See also frotteurism and groping. Another form of this kind of closeness is when one goes to a crowded place for entertainment a bar, disco, pop concert, street festival, etc.
