Since relationships between people vary from adverse acquaintances to intimate companions, how would one realize where to set proper boundaries so not to offend someone with, or be offended by anothers words or actions?

How would you know you randomly found a true friend without knowing their past? Should one keep their defences and wait to see if the other attempts to manipulate them as many others may have? or should they throw themselves 'out on the limb' and HOPE the same thing doesn't happen again?

Basically, if one was continuously 'hurt', should he/she allow the possibility to continue? or would it be best to just give-up?

I just gave up and decided not to EVER allow my self in to that type of situation again.

If you do not "go out on the limb" at least to some extent you will never experience true love. Don't be a fool with it but give some trust.

jumping off cliffs is always fun but remember to bring your parachute

You have to realise that in every relationship you're still at that vulnerable stage, not quite knowing what to believe or disbelieve. Only time can fill in the holes... Forgive the way that sounds!!! :p it would be naive to throw yourself open to fate, because fate has a nasty habit of biting you in the ass!

You have to realise that in every relationship you're still at that vulnerable stage, not quite knowing what to believe or disbelieve. Only time can fill in the holes... Forgive the way that sounds!!! :p it would be naive to throw yourself open to fate, because fate has a nasty habit of biting you in the ass!

in all seriousness
is you can fart and poop in front of the person and neither of you think twice or even laugh about it
thats love
let yourself go and have fun
if you keep worring about the past or this and that it will make you miserable and that doesnt make for a fun relationship

i like that one duckie

me too
mmwwhhaas hi ya rare

Only if you truely enjoy pain... If you don't... Then you would have to be a co-dependant idiot. I didn't mean you directly... Anyone that would chose to stay with pain.

Short and sweet answer is simply that you don't know if they are or will remain true!unless of course, you've got a chrystal ball handy or a sage able to look into the misty future! You simply give them a degree of trust, not total blind trust because that would be silly, just enough.

As I say - "Time Will Tell"

Thank you all for the advice.

And msgiggles, , quaint, yet, true in its own way... ...I used to ask my (ex)spouse if I should be proud...

hiya duckie

To make a true friend involves trust, and risk of betrayal of that trust. In the past year I've made friends and been betrayed by some. Some preyed on what they thought were weaknesses, and lost my friendship, others violated my space and are otherwise non-existant to me, and most importantly, the friends I do have today here, know me and like me for me. That's what matters.

I dont feel that there is a just of "true" in the concept of love

truth serum

ponders with deep intent for acclamation

The fact remains that you never DO know. It's all a crap-shoot from the start to the bitter end. You're about as certain of knowing a true friend or lover as you are that you'll win the super-mega-dooper lotto jackpot.

The only thing you CAN do is not expect much from anyone, friend OR lover, at all. Let whatever happens happen, but don't get so involved that you're left a broken heap by the end of the relationship.