Excellent Spouse...came up with a compelling metaphor .... he compared the proper way to learn about another person with priming a painted wall. You want to get it back as close to a neutral color as you can so the new paint will go on true. Same with getting to know a person ... neutralize to the best of your ability any preconceptions... and you'll stand a much better chance of actually being able to process input accurately to determine their true nature (and true desires).
Daaaaaaaagggg, @Kettricken! Excellent Spouse rocks! And not just because I'm painting the kitchen this weekend.
This notion is Most Excellent and my heartiest kudos to Most Excellent Spouse.
