I have been working with Chuck and Alyson in couples counseling for about 9 months, and they talked about their lack of intimacy—no affection or sex. They continued to feel separate in their own home. Conflict was featured when we first started our work. However, now their disconnection was more apparent. 

Alyson stated, “Conflict determines intimacy.” This was very true when they started; it’s hard to be close when conflict dominates a relationship. But now, both want to work on intimacy, and talking about intimacy gives them a chance to restore it.