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Joe Music

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What is it that keeps us from being closer to other human beings ?

What causes us to withhold from other human beings ? Answers might be what people find that brings them closer to others, things they may do on a day to day basis.

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    Feb 23 2013: For a change I shall try a non-academic answer to your question in common folks' language. :)
    I take it that by 'being closer' you mean making friends or striking a relationship or simply knowing someone better. We can approach being closer in two different ways.
    One by assuming every stranger is a potential source of trouble and not fit to trust and then approaching with caution, eliminating many, looking for the 'right' one and hoping not to regret. Pros: safe and sanitized relationship ; Cons: uninteresting, banal associations and missed opportunity of enduring lessons of life.
    The other is by assuming every stranger a potential source of joy, excitement and source of new learning, hence trusted without caution, accepting him/her as just as he/she is and hoping not to regret. Pros: Life becomes a festival, a never ending exciting journey with enrichment of soul. Cons: increased chances of getting hurt, sometimes deeply.
    I think most prefer the first path. I think my explanation also answers your other questions.

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