ROMANCE, INTIMACY AND SEX-ARE THEY THE SAME?

While walking this morning, I was thinking about the new craze- reading the trilogy "The Shades of Gray". I have not read the books but have done a little research. Erotica, dominatrix, leather, collars and handcuffs are some of the ideas presented in a couple's life. Apparently the second book delves into their relationship. What I have found interesting is asking others who are reading the books what they think? The clinician in me! One of my friends found her younger daughter-in-law surprised she had ventured to read the books! Each generation reads something to do with sex. Ancient times in Hindu life it was the Kama Sutra. Not just a book on sexual positions but outlining a goal of Hindu life. Kama- sensual or sexual pleasure and sutra- a thread or line that holds things together. It really was a guide to virtuous living and the nature of love and family life. Lady Chatterly's Lover and The Joy of Sex are books that have passed my way! Old copies of Playbook and Penthouse with the letters to the editor that seemed unreal. So my questions- romance, intimacy and sex are they the same? I think they can complement each other. Everyone needs some romance in their lives. Look at the amount of flowers and chocolates sold on Valentine's Day! Even flowers just because can bring some romance! I think it is romantic that my husband brings me coffee in the morning while I am getting ready or even before I am out of bed! The little things that help a relationship to thrive. Intimacy can be many things- holding hands, rubbing A5-35 on sore joints or the goodbye kiss as couples part! Just sex in a couple's life without some romance or intimacy can exist but does it keep the relationship going! I love one ad on TV where a young couple are walking and they swing past an elderly couple holding hands. The young woman looks back smiling at the old couple! Is she thinking I hope I have someone when I am that old? Or how romantic? Or some cynics- they are holding each other up! The question? Perhaps the answer is- we need all three. Do they help a relationship to last? Probably! Does the latest craze hurt couples? Probably not as with my little research it is mostly women that are reading the books! I do not know of any man admitting to the craze! What do you think?