There is an assumption that family life and intimacy are more stable, satisfying, and rewarding and sustain themselves over time in formal human settlements. On the contrary, family life and intimacy in shack settlements, commonly called informal settlements in the South African context, pose a challenge for family life and intimacy. Whilst there is a dearth of research on the subject matter, this paper suggests that given the hardships of physical life in informal settlements, dwellers in these neighbourhoods find creative ways in which they can sustain family life and express intimacy in an environment that is not conducive to lead a healthy family life. In this context, the paper reflects on the findings of 30 in-depth interviews conducted with couples in the informal settlement of Cato Manor, Durban. The finding suggests that despite the hardship of living in an informal settlement, couples creatively steal intimate moments and are committed to family life despite the environmental adversity in these settlements. They display resilience to preserve family life and intimacy.