re·la·tion·shipn. a state of connectedness between people (especially an emotional connection) "The easiest kind of relationship is with ten thousand people, the hardest is with one." "The only way of knowing a person is to love them without hope."
An intimate relationship is an interpersonal relationship with a great deal of physical and/or emotional intimacy. It is usually characterized by romantic or passionate love and attachment. Love is an important factor in intimate relationships. Research has established that love is more than just liking a lot [citation needed], and is distinct from sexual attraction. Typically, love in relationships is divided into two types: passionate and companionate. Passionate love is intense longing, and is often accompanied by physiological arousal (shortness of breath, rapid heart rate). Companionate love is affection and a feeling of intimacy and is not accompanied by physiological arousal by itself.