“Into-Me-See”: Breaking Down Intimacy for the Jamaican Landscape

Intimacy is a well-defined ideology, well-written-about phenomenon, and sought-after relationship component, yet the manifestations of intimacy differ across persons, gender and definitely across cultures (Matsumoto, 1994). So, what exactly are we referring to? A kiss on the cheek? A pat on the back? The giving of a gift? Cuddling? Spending time together? Helping around the house? Helping with the children? Having sex? Showing love? Do women and men understand this concept in a similar way? Do these intimacy needs change as we evolve, grow older and, supposedly, wiser? Do all cultures view intimacy as critical? What does creolization bring to bear on the perceptions of intimacy, viewed differently in all these cultures? This chapter explores these issues in the Jamaican culture.