Cost

Several previous posts have mentioned cost. Cost is critical to evaluating what people say and do. Here's an example of how to measure such cost. Think back on the times when someone has offered to do something nice for you. Objectively consider what the cost they would have incurred by doing that thing. Would it take them out of their way on their drive home? Would it require them to change their plans? Would it make their family and other friends displeased? You will find that most kind offers are low cost or cost less. There's nothing wrong with that, just keep it in mind when ascribing value to that event in your relationship with that person. Where real cost is incurred, study that person and event carefully. They are either a true friend or dangerously irrational.