Book excerpt: Intimacy Redefined: Asexual and Aromantic Relationships invites readers to explore the boundless ways that asexual and aromantic individuals create meaningful, fulfilling connections. Breaking from traditional norms, this book reimagines intimacy, offering a fresh perspective on relationships that don’t hinge on romance or sexuality. It’s a powerful resource for anyone who identifies as asexual or aromantic, as well as for friends, family, partners, and allies who want to understand and support these identities more fully. Within these pages, Intimacy Redefined delves into the diverse spectrum of asexual and aromantic experiences, providing a deeper understanding of attraction, intimacy, and companionship. Readers will learn how to build relationships that honor personal boundaries, foster trust, and respect individual needs. Through real-life insights, practical advice, and strategies for authentic communication, this book empowers readers to establish and maintain connections based on genuine closeness and respect. In a society that often emphasizes romantic and sexual milestones as indicators of fulfillment, asexual and aromantic individuals can find their relationship goals misaligned with traditional expectations. Intimacy Redefined shows that successful, satisfying relationships can flourish outside conventional frameworks. It explores unique concepts like queer-platonic partnerships, the role of chosen family, and ways to cultivate physical and emotional closeness in ways that honor each person’s comfort zone. What You Will Find in This Book: An overview of asexuality and aromanticism, including definitions and spectrums The true meaning of intimacy beyond romance and sexuality Queer-platonic partnerships and relationship models outside the norm How to set and communicate boundaries and expectations Ideas for nurturing non-sexual, non-romantic physical intimacy The role of community and chosen family in building support systems Strategies for relationships between ace/aro and non-ace/aro individuals Intimacy Redefined is a celebration of diverse human connections, offering insight and validation for anyone seeking to live true to themselves. Redefine your relationships and discover the beauty of bonds formed through trust, understanding, and shared humanity. This book shows that meaningful, life-enriching intimacy is accessible to all—no romance or sexual attraction required.