We can define intimacy as the closeness shared by people in relationships. At times, we may run away from a relationship or hesitate to share our true feelings with someone due to a fear of intimacy, also known as erotophobia. Here are the factors or causes of the fear of intimacy: Past sexual abuse : Some of us may have gone through child abuse or sexual abuse, which can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychotherapy: The primary treatment for phobias is psychotherapy. Realisation and acceptance are necessary to overcome the fear of intimacy.