The Development of Intimacy at Age Fifty

Abstract

When referred for analysis Mr. Z. was a 48-year-old, unmarried white male. Casually dressed and a touch overweight, he spoke in a slightly pressured, obsessively organized manner. I found myself responding positively to his wry sense of humor, intelligence, and tight-lipped grin. Except for a course of brief psychotherapy at a local clinic prior to the referral for analysis, he had no previous psychiatric history. In a somewhat cautious but serious manner Mr. Z. began to explain his reasons for wanting analysis.