INTIMACY

When you think of intimacy, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s thoughts of romance. Maybe that’s the same for you too. And to me, that’s a problem.

The issue isn’t that intimacy is often linked to romantic love. Of course, it is—those relationships are where intimacy is most visible. The real problem arises when that becomes the only picture of intimacy you recognize. When that narrow view is so deeply ingrained in your mind that it blinds you to a broader reality. What happens when a lack of romantic love convinces you that you lack connection altogether, even though connection is all around you and within you?

Transparently, the theme of this issue was inspired by a romantic  relationship that lacked intimacy. That experience began to eat away at me, making me question why I wasn’t deserving of the closeness I craved. Then, I paused and looked around. Intimacy was everywhere. It was in the inside jokes I shared with my friends. In the phone calls and text message check-ins from long-distance loved ones. In the hugs I received from family during trips home. In my conversations with God. In my conversations with myself. It was everywhere, waiting to be noticed.

Yes, romantic intimacy is beautiful, but so are all of the other forms of intimacy. I want you to hold on to that truth the next time you feel alone, or when a romantic connection doesn’t unfold the way you hoped. Intimacy makes life vibrant, and the absence of one kind doesn’t make the picture of your life colorless. Look around.

To the contributors of this issue, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your minds, hearts, and souls. The art in this issue is intimacy personified. That vulnerability is no small feat. It takes immense courage to reveal the most intimate parts of yourself.

To the readers, I hope this issue feels like a warm hug from a friend, a kiss from a lover, and a mirror into your own soul.

With Love,

Kei

an inside look into issue 008