In the shared practice of lesbian intimacy, time is experienced collectively and subjectively through the senses. Two or more bodies are in contact and connected to each other, creating an immersive environment where the passing of time seems to slow down or speed up depending on the intensity of the encounter. Intimate touching, kissing, holding, hugging, caressing, licking, sucking, penetration, and orgasm can lead to a sense of timelessness and spacelessness. There may be no clocks or watches visible in the room. Time may seem to expand or contract during the experience. The perception of time depends on the individuals' physical awareness and emotional state of mind.
As people come together physically and emotionally, they become intertwined and entwined in each other's lives. Their individual identities blend into one unified whole. They share their past experiences, hopes, dreams, goals, fears, and anxieties. Each partner influences the other's behavior and personality, forming new memories and shaping their relationship dynamics. With this intense connection comes a deep understanding of how two or more minds perceive time differently from one another. This difference can either enhance the bond between them or cause misunderstandings and conflicts if not addressed early enough.
Intersubjectivity refers to the mutual creation of meaning among participants in communication or interaction. In lesbian intimacy, intersubjectivity is created by the simultaneous sharing of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. It involves both verbal and non-verbal cues that help partners navigate the experience and connect with each other.
A woman may verbally express her desire for intimacy while her body language suggests it through touches and eye contact. The other woman must interpret these signals correctly to respond appropriately. When both women understand each other's needs and intentions accurately, they can better navigate the encounter and achieve greater satisfaction.
The process of building intimacy can be a gradual one, taking weeks, months, or even years to develop fully. It requires trust, vulnerability, openness, honesty, respect, and commitment. Intimate partners learn about each other over time, discovering their similarities and differences. These discoveries can lead to a deeper appreciation of their unique perspectives on life and relationships. By exploring each other's temporal experiences together, they gain insight into themselves and others that would otherwise remain hidden.
Lesbian intimacy teaches us that our perception of time is influenced by our environment and interactions with others. Our senses are crucial in experiencing the present moment as something special and sacred. We must learn how to slow down, relax, and savor every second with our partner to create lasting memories worth remembering. This type of intimacy can strengthen bonds between individuals and foster healthy communication skills necessary for successful long-term relationships.
In the shared practice of lesbian intimacy, how do two or more people inhabit time together differently, and how does that joint inhabitation teach us about temporality and intersubjectivity?
In the shared practices of lesbian intimacy, it is often observed that two or more women tend to have a different perception of time than heterosexual couples. This difference in temporal experience has been attributed to the fact that lesbians are not bound by gendered social expectations and constraints, which allows them to create their own rules and schedules for engaging with each other.