This content includes information from experts in their field and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions as it pertains to all aspects of your daily life. We constantly strive to provide you with the best information possible.Any time you forge a new friendship or romantic relationship, you're taking a small leap of faith that the other person is who they present themselves to be.
That said, your friend's tendency to hold their cards close to their chest may be more about them than it is about you. Prihandito says that asking open-ended questions and observing how they respond can help you better understand their intentions and motives—and determine whether they're being"fake nice" to you or just emotionally guarded.
"If someone speaks negatively about others to you, there's a chance they could do the same about you when you're not around," says Esmaeilpour."Listen to how they talk about mutual acquaintances or friends. Is it mostly negative or backhanded?"