Social networks and mass media have convinced people that everyone should be treated as close friends. However:

• It is impossible to treat all people exactly the same
• Some people are smart, and some are stupid.
• Some are honest, and some are manipulating liars.
• Some are hard working, and some are lazy oafs.
• Some use sex and violence as tools, some use them as weapons, and some don’t use them at all.

And so on…

To protect ourselves, and to protect our future options, we must be polite and respectful but also keep everyone at arm’s length until they prove themselves as individuals.

Most people will not wish to do the work. Let them reside at the level of trust that is comfortable to them. (A work colleague is only one step above total stranger. If we only know a person at work, they are not really our friends.)

If we wish to know a person better, we are the ones who must do the work; respecting any sign that they do not wish to come another step closer.

If we do not have the self discipline to maintain a healthy, step-by-step process in getting to know other people, then we cannot complain when those people take advantage of us.