Who knows you the best?
Question: “Who knows you best?”
A question I’ve learned not to answer too quickly. Because I don’t let people get that close. Not because I’m guarded, but because I understand that people change.
No matter how genuine they appear, everyone reserves the right to leave, to shift, and to redefine how they see you. So no, no one knows all of me, But a few have held and hold the best parts of me.
We've all probably played or heard of the 'Who Knows You Best?' game. It's a fun way to test friendships and see how much your loved ones truly understand you. But recently, I've been thinking about this game, and the very concept of knowing someone, in a much deeper way. While it’s exciting to see who can guess your favorite color or dream vacation, I've come to realize something profound about how deeply we allow others to know us, and how that understanding can shift over time. The truth is, like many of us, I don't ever really allow people to say that they know me the best. It's not about being guarded in a negative sense, but more about acknowledging a fundamental truth: people change. We evolve, our preferences shift, and our experiences redefine who we are. So, how can anyone truly 'know' someone who is constantly in motion? This perspective has made me rethink how I approach those 'Who Knows Me Better' questions. Sometimes, I find myself thinking, 'I don't allow people to get that close to me.' This isn't because I'm cold, but because I understand that at any given moment, no matter how genuine or pure people may seem, or how great they are, everybody has the ability to change. They might change their mind about you each and every day, and they have the right to do that. And let's face it, everybody leaves at some point – whether it's through life's choices, personal growth, or even, sadly, death. So, knowing this, it feels almost impossible for someone to know *every part of who I am*. So, does this mean we shouldn't play the game? Absolutely not! I think there are people that know parts of me the best, and those are the connections we cherish. The game can still be a wonderful tool for connection, but perhaps we should play it with a slightly different mindset. Instead of aiming for a perfect score, maybe it's about celebrating the parts of us that others do know, and opening up new avenues for discovery. When you're compiling your 'Who Knows Me Better' questions, think beyond just simple facts. Ask questions that invite deeper understanding, but also acknowledge that answers might evolve. For instance, instead of just 'What's my favorite food?', maybe 'What's a new food I've recently discovered and loved?' Or 'What's a new hobby I've picked up?' This acknowledges that change is constant. You could even add a question like, 'What's one way you've seen me change or grow recently?' This invites them to reflect on your journey, not just a static version of you. Another idea for the 'Who Knows Me Better' game is to ask questions that reveal how much your friends understand your reactions or feelings, even if they don't know every detail. For example: 'If I had a really stressful day, how would I most likely unwind?' or 'What's my biggest dream right now, even if it feels out of reach?' These aren't about rote memory but about empathy and intuition. It moves beyond 'who knows me better' to 'who understands me better through my ongoing journey.' Ultimately, playing the 'Who Knows Me Better' game isn't just about scoring points. It's an opportunity to reflect on your relationships, to appreciate those who make an effort to connect with you, and perhaps even to share a little more of yourself. Because while no one may truly know every single part of who you are, the people who know the best parts of you are truly invaluable. It's a reminder that relationships are living, breathing things, constantly changing and growing, just like us.
