Celibacy is commonly understood to be a special, lifelong commitment, often for those in Religious communities. But in reality it is the chosen path of any who find themselves single, and from Christian conviction decide to abstain from sex.Both church and world often assume intimacy can only be found in marriage or sexual relationships. But this study shows how a proper understanding of human relationships offers ways to live a whole, fulfilled and intimate life in which celibacy can be received as a gift.