Although psychologists, sociologists, family scientists and communication experts are making important contributions to the study of personal relationships, discussion of the gender differences that often create barriers to intimacy, and how these differences are reflected in the communication process, is notably absent from much of this work. While these differences are alluded to repeatedly, nowhere is the connection directly made between intimacy and the listening behavior of women and men. Integrating the salient aspects of listening (knowledge through self-disclosure, interdependence, trust, reciprocated commitment, and communication) with factors that affect the quality of intimate relationships between men and women can help to fill this absence. Such factors include: gender identity in listening and speaking roles, and expression and interpretation of listening in intimate relationships. Hopefully, such understanding will contribute to the knowledge of the concept of intimacy in the culture and will facilitate razing the barriers to intimate relationships that are a product of cultural expectations. Three listening strategies which are connected to the concept of intimacy are (1) self-concept and listening to others; (2) learning the listening strategies of the other; and (3) serving as listening role models. (Fifty references are attached.) (Author/PRA)