How much time does it take to really know a person?

United States
November 21, 2008 8:55am CST
When do you really know a person? How much time should you give before being comfortable that you know who they are? With love or friendship it takes time but how much time?
2 people like this
6 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
21 Nov 08
I really don't think we ever fully know a person. There are just some things about a person that they do not wish to share with others.
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47146)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
21 Nov 08
I think it depends on who you're talking to and such. One person might be more opened with someone than with another. If you're opened and comfortable with someone, it will certainly be easier to get to know them. Those are some factors that affect this issue.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
21 Jan 09
A person can know somebody for 60 years and not really know them all that well. We only know someone really well if they choose to let us in to really know them. I have been with my husband 20 years and I can honestly say I still don't really know him deep down and I guess he probably feels the same..Some people can be friends right off the bat since they might get along and have things in common while others it might take years to really become good friends since it might take longer to open up about things. I guess there is no limit..on how long it takes.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
22 Nov 08
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule for how long it takes to know someone, I think it depends more on the quality of the relationship. If you are in constant company with someone you will get to know them faster than if you only see that person let's say once every few months. Also if the person shares everything with you and doesn't hold back it will be faster to get to know them that let's say it is a mysterious person you have known all your life.
@robinemz (211)
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
it depends on how open that person is to you. other people keep their real personality to themselves. others show it only to their family. others show it to some close friends.. so my answer is it depends..=)
1 person likes this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
21 Nov 08
It can take different amounts of time with different individuals. In an intimate relationship there is usually that time frame where two people just start learning about the different habits each one has and if they are going to be able to tolerate them. Sometimes it depends on how much someone can put up with to show how much love there is for the person. It also depends on how deeply you feel about someone and how much you care to share your life with them. You might love someone so much that you can overlook their faults and accept them the way they are. I would say to just give acceptance to someone and then go from there.