At what age does Level 3: Intimate, mutual sharing typically appear?

Level 3: Intimate, mutual sharing typically appears between the ages of 8 to 15 years. This stage in development is characterized by deeper emotional connections and a greater ability to empathize with peers, which fosters mutual sharing and cooperation. Children begin to value personal relationships more seriously and develop a better understanding of social norms. During these years, friendships often shift from being based solely on shared activities to being defined by emotional support and trust which are hallmarks of intimate relationships.

In the earlier years, specifically between 5 to 7 years, interactions tend to be more superficial, often centered around play and activities rather than deeper emotional exchanges. The period of 16 to 20 years generally involves more mature romantic relationships, where intimate sharing is expected to be significant. Meanwhile, the ages 12 to 15 years are notable for their social development, but the level of intimacy and mutual sharing often solidifies more definitively in the subsequent years when adolescents have developed a clearer understanding of their emotional needs and those of their peers. Thus, the age range of 8 to 15 is the most appropriate for the emergence of this intimate, mutual sharing.