Thanks for writing this. I always wondered what the difference between connection and intimacy was and I think this piece articulated it. Intimacy is a shared experience- you cannot have it alone. A connection is an offering that can be given without the others’ consent- i.e I do not need the approval of someone to feel connected to them, I can just decide that I feel connected to them. Intimacy is about vulnerable offering and acceptance. Without one part or the other, it is simply connection. Thank you.