Book excerpt: For decades, doctors have identified an inability to foster intimacy - both physical and emotional - as a key factor in everything from unsuccessful marriages to difficult personal relationships. But for those struggling with this hidden problem, therapy and dense texts have been the only answers. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Intimacyprovides a beacon for those looking for clear, understandable answers. Dr. Paul Coleman, a practicing psychologist, specializes in helping both couples and individuals work through the issues that keep them from having lasting relationships, intimate friendships, and happy families. Dr. Coleman gives readers step-by-step answers and a clear path to making changes by helping them to identify intimacy problems, understand key differences between men and women, change perceptions, overcome arguments, and effectively communicate. He also covers sexual intimacy and affection issues including intimacy during stressful times, transitions, and as relationships progress.