Intimacy can be a complex subject. However, holistic and healthy intimacy exists in many forms and can be achieved not only with a romantic other but also with one's friends, family, professional colleagues, and self. As part of lifespan development, it is ideal to build a knowledge base and skill set to comprehend the multiple facets of intimacy. It is hypothesized that intimacy skills can also act as a protective factor for the primary prevention of dating violence, sexual violence, unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases. (Contains 3 notes.)