[Raymond]

This is a difficult one to see without the faith angle.

I find a consideration of the power of touch relevant here. There is an inherent power in touch when used in normal unsexual unconscious ways. One will have to make their own observations to see this in operation in shops and restaurants etc.

When used in sexual ways in a marriage we all know how powerful that is. To a man and a woman outside of marriage it can sometimes convey an intimacy which really isn't there. Scores of couples are deceived by this and mistake sexual relationship as proof of intimacy. Many will find after that act that they are still no closer to the person and in fact many times feel further away. Really they have given something precious of themselves without having that vital comittment.

True intimacy comes first from relationship. If you first have that then the sexual element will be an expression of the intimacy you already have. Too precious to express without the comittment of marriage.

Unfortunately many women undermine themselves and give themselves without that comittment towards them. Sometimes this can be what living together can mean, without a comittment in marriage. Really it is back to front which backs up the better order which is intimate relationship, marriage and then the full sexual expression of the intimacy which you already have which will in it's way help maintain the intimacy you started with. If that is not too confusing.

Raymond