# LXXXI: Intimacy explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter defines intimacy as a friendship that endures all liberties taken by the beloved, emphasizing that true friendship is marked by mutual ease, forgiveness, and unwavering affection even in the face of harm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Harmony and Ethics

The chapter discusses the ethical bonds of friendship and the harmony achieved through mutual forbearance.

## Character check-ins

### the Kural

The chapter's verses articulate the nature of intimacy in friendship.

## Key lines

> That friendship is called intimacy which submitteth without resenting to all the freedoms taken by the beloved one.

True intimacy is a friendship that accepts without offense any liberties the beloved takes.

_Defines intimacy as unresisting acceptance of a friend's familiarities._

> Behold the man who loveth another with a deathless affection: the whole world will hold him dear.

One who loves with undying affection is cherished by all the world.

_Highlights the universal esteem earned by steadfast love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxi-intimacy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters