'Intimacy with myself involves me in being critically self-aware; ready to assess influences from the past, ready to understand where I need to change. It uncovers from me those areas of weakness or bitterness in my life; it helps me to learn to love myself, and accept myself, whilst rejecting what in me is harmful or destructive. True intimacy with the self means experiencing the reality of repentance, forgiveness, healing and joy. Intimacy comes when I grow in love and learn to give myself to others.'
Elaine Storkey, The Search for Intimacy, p.7.
