At first glance, Twitter seems perfectly absurd. After all, people are tweeting about everything from what they’re eating for lunch and what songs they’re listening to at the moment to their day-to-day observations about the world. Even London’s Tower Bridge has gotten into the act, tweeting every opening and closing as well as the name of the ship that just passed through. Businesses push coupons, ads, and other deals to their Twitter followers; news agencies release the latest headlines; and celebrities add to the general chatter. Amidst the mundane tweets and bridge openings and closings, something unexpected occurs: intimacy.

You wouldn’t expect intimacy in Twitter’s limit of 140 characters, but it’s there. For example, how often does your boss tell you about his personal life? Probably not that often. However, if you’re following your boss on Twitter, you may find out that he’s an avid mystery book reader or that his dog has just died. The same is true of clients and prospective customers. By following others, you gain an intimate look at what’s important to them – often information that you wouldn’t otherwise be privy to.

Even tweets from dear friends and family members can give you an intimate perspective that you may not have been exposed to before. You may chat with your brother every few months, catching up on life but with Twitter, you discover so much more. Who knew he listens to opera when jogging around the lake each day? Or that he’s started writing a book?

Following others on Twitter and reading intimate posts can feel voyeuristic, especially if you are following celebrities or prominent people. However, you don’t have to sit on the outside and peer in. Engaging with others allows you to become even more intimate. Yes, you can build a relationship in 140 characters!

Of course, it takes more than one tweet to connect with others. If you want a more intimate experience on Twitter, give it time. As the Twitter stream flows, keep your eyes on it and jump in when so inclined. Ask thought-provoking questions and watch as others share their thoughts, ideas, regrets, and so on. For example, ask “What are you thankful for today?” and view the @replies. You may be surprised at the insights.

Keep in mind that more is not necessarily better when it comes to following other Twitter users. If you’re following hundreds of other users, work on whittling that list down to a more manageable level. Unfollow people whose tweets are considered spam or otherwise don’t interest you. Once you have cleaned out your list, start searching for others who share your interests. Into yoga? Search for others who share your passion and begin to connect.

Twitter, with its 140 character limit, has evolved into a unique entity that is shaped by its users. While businesses are quickly discovering its commercial potential, individual users have the power to shape their personal Twitter streams into a highly personal – and intimate – experiences.