Emotional intimacy is a dimension of interpersonal intimacy varying in degree, much like Physical intimacy. Intimacy, in an emotional context, can be observed in terms of communication pertaining to emotional states as subjective experiences. The degree of comfort and effectiveness of the communicative process can be seen as an indicator of the emotional intimacy between two individuals. The relative emotional intimacy between two individuals will depend primarily on trust, as well as the nature of their relationship, involved in discussing one's own feelings and emotions with another person and in turn discussing the other person's feelings and emotions in order that each of you may better understand and support the other. It is necessary for human beings to have this form of intimacy on a regular basis for them to develop and maintain good mental health.

Compare physical intimacy, sympathy, empathy.

See also

• compassion
• acceptance
• liking
• emotional intelligence