Our society concepts of sex and intimacy have collapsed into each other, which is to say that generally one assumes them to be a package deal. Clearly this is not totally true. The prevelance of pornography is a striking counter example. However most people, especially men, look for and find their most satisfying experiences of intimacy in sexual/romantic relationships.

According to dictionary.com, the 6th definition for intimacy is "sexual intercourse."

Why is this?
What is the effect on society when unstable, short-term relationships are encouraged at the expense of their opposite?
What does a non-sexual intimate relationship look like? Can it be as satisfying as a sexual one?