"To be human is to be intimate. Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. But human intimacy comes in two forms -- physical and emotional -- that aren't necessarily experienced with the same partner or at the same time. From the thrill of attraction, to the pangs of heartbreak, says evolutionary biologist and Kinsey Institute Director, Dr. Justin Garcia, this uniquely human tension between emotional and physical intimacy is what explains so much of the joy, and the pain, of romantic love. In The Intimate Animal, Dr. Garcia applies an evolutionary lens to the full spectrum of intimate experiences, including why we love who we love (even people who are wrong for us); why we stay in unfulfilling relationships but stray from gratifying ones; why we might open our relationship or be in a mutually committed relationship with multiple partners, why we grow apart and move on -- or choose to stay together even when it's hard. Whether you are still searching for that special someone, considering taking a relationship to the next level, or looking for ways to keep the romance of a long-term relationship alive Dr Garcia will equip you with a deeper understanding of how the intimate animal (us!) navigates the beautiful messiness of deciding to share a life with someone. In a world where moments of true human connection are becoming more elusive, this is the essential evolutionary toolkit for finding and nurturing the love that defines our lives"-- Provided by publisher.