Sharing similar interests and have an intimate relationship keeps things real, alive. Fresh. Most relationships in this day in age are rarely without it. I believe it is vital. I'm no expert on relationships. I haven't been in one in a while but I can honestly tell people that physical intimacy is a vital part. If you lack in social skills but good at that it's all good.
I'd say the sex part takes up a very small amount of a relationship.
No, that's a friendship. Romances include some sort of physical interaction or at least some deeper verbal interaction, whatever that might be.
> You, without religion
It's a form of attraction. I think there's society's definition on what a romance should be, and if someone doesn't see it this way, it's not a romance.
I don't get the reference in the picture, but if you want to talk physical interaction. couples do hold hands and hug each other. It's still not full sexual intercourse though.