An intimate relationship is a particularly close interpersonal relationship. The term is sometimes used euphemistically for a sexual relationship, although the term is not exclusively sexual and can also be used to describe asexual relationships.

Intimate relationships play a central role in the overall human experience.[1] Humans have a universal want to belong and to love which is satisfied within an intimate relationship.[2] Intimate relationships consist of the people that we are attracted to, whom we like and love, romantic and sexual relationships, and those whom we marry and provide and receive emotional and personal support from.[1] Intimate relationships provide people with a social network of people that provide strong emotional attachments and fulfill our universal need of belonging and the need to be cared for.[1]