If there is conflict I tend to face it head on, bring it up, and discuss it. It's better than ignoring it and letting it fester. That leads to fighting and I don't do so well in fights. I eventually lose control of my anger. I try to avoid that at all costs.
Emotional intimacy just takes time. I get to know the person in and out, that's the only things I can say.
As for boundaries, I lay all of that out upfront. Before the relationship begins I tend to lay out who I am, what I do, and what my boundaries are. I don't want a guy to get into a relationship expecting em to be someone I am not. If they don't like what I tell them they can take a hike. Simple as that.