What is True Intimacy – and Why Is It So Difficult?

What is True Intimacy – and Why Is It So Difficult?

Are you curious about what it means to really connect with someone – not just at the surface, but deeply, authentically?

Intimacy is a word we hear everywhere, yet so many of us find it elusive. We crave it, fear it, long for it, and sometimes run away when it appears. Why is that? What does “true intimacy” mean for you? And what makes it so hard – in friendships, family, or love?

In this gathering, we’ll explore together – through gentle questions, personal stories, and shared reflection. No experience in philosophy is needed. Just bring your curiosity, an open heart, and the willingness to listen and be heard.

Let’s make space for real conversation about:

• What is true intimacy? Is it emotional, physical, spiritual – or something else?
• Why does vulnerability feel both beautiful and terrifying?
• What stands in the way of deeper connection, and how can we open up safely?
• How do we recognize healthy versus unhealthy intimacy?
• Can we be intimate with ourselves first?

You are welcome just as you are – there is no pressure to share more than you wish. Listening is also participation.

Our angle on philosophy and our events will be:

• Relatable: The topics will be universal – everyone has thoughts or experiences with human relations, even if they use different words.
• Low barrier: No one needs “philosophy background” to join in. Experience of being human is enough.
• Safe & inviting: We set the tone for sharing, reflection, and listening – not debate or “right” answers.
• Genuine exploration: We invite curiosity, stories, and personal wisdom, which is just as much philosophy as abstract theory.
• Modern philosophy: Contemporary philosophers (Brené Brown, Alain de Botton, Bell Hooks, etc.) write about intimacy, vulnerability, and love as philosophical topics.

The location is Kafe Albin, Briskebyveien 42.
I hope you will find time, and an open heart to come and reflect with me on this topic.

Warm greetings
Patricia Kraft

About the host
My name is Patricia Kraft, and it truly warms my heart to invite you into this group. I’m a film director and visual storyteller, but most of all, I’m simply a human being who loves deep conversations about what it means to be alive, to care, and to connect. For more than 15 years I’ve also taught Norwegian, guiding people through the language and, just as often, into the questions of our shared humanity.