In this reflective essay, Rosana Braga explores intimacy from a Brazilian woman’s perspective. Rejecting stereotypes, she highlights desire, tenderness, emotional connection, and mutual respect as essential elements of a fulfilling sexual relationship. The article emphasizes that women seek more than pleasure — they seek intimacy, presence, and love. It is a thoughtful look at feminine desire beyond superficial sex.
By Rosana Braga
Translation: Ann Fain
Brazilian women value emotional intimacy as much as physical desire.
First, I must begin by clarifying something essential: I do not believe in generalizations. The idea that “men are this way” or “women are that way” simply does not work. Men and women are diverse, complex, and unique. If all men were liars and all women self-centered — as is often suggested — there would be little reason to spend time searching for a partner, since everyone would be the same.
A Brazilian woman’s perspective
As a woman — and a Brazilian — I would like to reflect on what I believe women, and specifically Brazilian women, desire in a sexual relationship. While I reject generalizations, there are shared feminine desires, a way of feeling and being that is part of the feminine psyche. This does not mean that all women are the same.
Desire, love, and protection
A woman wants to feel desired and loved. And I would add something important about Brazilian women: beyond love and sex, she also wants to feel protected by her partner. She is independent, but shaped by history and culture, she still appreciates when a man takes care of certain things.
Tenderness, presence, and intimacy
Women want men to undress them slowly and look at their bodies with tenderness and gentleness. They want to feel the warmth of his mouth on their skin, as if it were the last flame. Even when she may seem rushed, she wants to be taken slowly. She wants every centimeter of her body explored, as if a map of pleasure were being revealed.
More than pleasure alone, she wants an experience filled with interest, intimacy, and intensity.
Tenderness and presence are central to meaningful intimacy.
More than giving, she wants to surrender
It has to be “real.” More than simply giving, a woman wants to surrender herself. She wants to be immersed in the experience, possessed with affection and respect. As Brazilian singer Zélia Duncan beautifully sings in “Sentimento”:
“Transfer to my body your feelings, so I can feel your pain, your moans, and understand why I want you.”
Why superficial sex is not enough
There was a time when many women tried to accept the superficial way men often approached sex. They would settle for a single orgasm to compensate for a lack of affection. They tried to convince themselves that sex without depth was enough.
But I have never truly known a woman who felt fulfilled by this alone.
The feminine nature of intimacy
If women only wanted this kind of relationship, happiness would be easy — it is not hard to find. But to feel whole, radiant, and complete? Never. Even when a woman seeks a man for pure pleasure, she knows that if she goes to bed with him, she will never be the same. This is not about facts, but about feminine nature.
Body and soul
No matter what a woman says or how independent she appears, what she does after getting dressed and stepping into the world, what she truly desires is to give herself completely — body and soul — to being loved.
* Rosana Braga is a journalist, lecturer, and relationship consultant. She has authored various books in Portuguese such as “Almas Gemeas (Twin Souls) and “Segredos de um Encontro” (Secrets of an Encounter). She lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil and is a longtime Soul Brasil contributor – www.rosanabraga.com.br
A woman ultimately seeks to give herself fully — body and soul — to love.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this article about stereotypes?
No. The author explicitly rejects stereotypes and generalizations.
2. Does the text focus only on Brazilian women?
It reflects on Brazilian women while addressing universal aspects of feminine desire.
3. Is the article explicit?
No. It discusses intimacy in a poetic, reflective, and non-graphic way.
4. Who is Rosana Braga?
She is a Brazilian journalist, lecturer, relationship consultant, and author.
5. What is the main message of the article?
Women seek emotional connection, tenderness, respect, and love — not just physical pleasure.
