This model looks at intimate relationships in progression from intimacy with self to intimacy with others, one's relationship with one's self establishing the foundation or basis for one's relationships with others. In the search for a satisfying intimate life, self-awareness and self-love are key. The development of numerous other personal characteristics are also key, including honesty, compassion, trust, discernment, thoughtfulness, generosity, etc.

This model sees vulnerability as essential to intimacy. If intimacy is characterized as an indepth knowing of another how can that knowning be attained if not through allowing one's self to be known? And does that knowledge not have the potential to be used maliciously? Trusting that knowing will lead to loving and openly sharing one's self with others leads one on the path to the depths of intimacy.

But the true depths of intimacy lie so far within that following the path of intimacy is ultimatly and fundamentally a personal journey. Externally, I am the only person who will have been with me my entire life. Internally, the deepest experience I can have with myself is not something I can share with anyone else and is beyond the comprehension of the mind. But great peace is found in that experience and it is a powerful place from which to relate to the world.