INTIMACY DOESN'T START WITH SEX Real intimacy starts with feeling safe in someone's presence. It starts with being seen in your rawest form and being accepted with softness. It's in the late-night soul sessions that diminish your fears. It's the honesty of secrets being on display without the fear of being judged for your past. It's showing up as you are and being loved for just that. It's in the small moments, too. The "I'm here for you" without you needing to ask. The belly laughs, the smiles that never leave your face, or the things they remember that you'd thought they'd forget. Real intimacy isn't just physical; it's the emotional, spiritual, and mental. It's when someone stands by you through your lowest moments, not just when you're glowing. It's someone who listens, not just to your words, but to your silence. It's knowing you can fall apart and still be held with care. It's not wanting to fix someone, but just wanting to love them through it. It's knowing you can't heal them, but you can guide them to it. Real intimacy is patience, the trust built, and vulnerability to be. It's love that doesn't need to be earned. It's when your soul can rest because it's found its home. It's when someone can see you, all of you, and stay.