It is funny how we can be so close to someone and yet not know them. I think it is important not to get too confident about shared intimacy.
Like truths which can conveniently be partial, people find it easier to reveal aspects of their lives that they don’t have to explain.
Why it is important to take confidence as a privilege is to avoid pedestal. People mostly become the stories they tell either because it is a narrative they are essential to; or because they aspire to be the values they profess. Most people will just generally paint themselves in better light and if you consciously assimilate their narrative holistically and without prejudice,you may begin to think that you know them. That may actually be misguided.
In getting close to a person,no matter who, be rest assured that you only know them to the extent they reveal or information you are privy to or fortunate enough to discover.
Secondly, allow them reasonable benefit of doubt to be flawed and just adjust the lens through which you view them.
Truth is we are all super heroes when we tell our stories. Even villains have tenable reasons. It is your responsibility to filter stories and values people profess to uphold.
Connoisseur of Memories 