“My determined purpose is that I may know him — that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him.”

— Philippians 3:10 (AMP)

At the core of our very being, we long for connection. God designed us this way. After all, he desires a relationship with us, so it would only make sense that he would create us with a desire for relationships as well. How else could our hearts stir with a passion for him, or even love one another?

As a woman and communicator, having the opportunity to relate to others and exchange ideas and passions excites me. However, all of us have a different comfort zone when it comes to relating with others.

Experts say men are more intellectual. Oftentimes, they can communicate their needs and desires in just a few words. Whereas women long for in-depth discussions. We desire to hear details, delivered with an understanding and compassionate tone. Different personality types affect how we approach this as well.

Experts believe that for a relationship to be favorable and to experience the greatest level of intimacy, it must connect in five areas:

• Spiritual intimacy with others, can occur when we share a connection to our loving Creator. That helps us build a bond with others who share our same passion and similar beliefs based on God’s Word, the Bible.

Experiences that place our focus on God and what he has done in our lives, as well as inspiring testimonies of how we came to know and receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, is part of this as well.

• Cultural intimacy includes sharing similar backgrounds, nationality, and values or traditions.

• Social intimacy involves sharing similar passions, desires and interests of others. Groups and social clubs are formed for this purpose.

• Intellectual intimacy occurs when we can exchange ideas and information on the same level as another. People network with others for this reason. I have enjoyed networking my nurse friends, as we have shared interests. I enjoy other writers and Bible teachers as well.

• Emotional intimacy is the intimacy that sparks the initial romantic interest in our hearts to fall in love with our spouse, or unique friend that seems to understand us like no one else does.

But the greatest intimacy is the one we form with God when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Only he can see the innermost places of our hearts, save our sins, and relate with us like no one else can.

As we search for intimacy, it’s the only relationship that will give us lasting joy and fulfillment in life.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be speaking at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.