Dear Doctor,

I have recently been, let us say, manipulated. Someone whom I thought was kind and caring towards me, someone whom I was kind and caring to in return, was not who they were made out to be. This is not the first time I have experienced such a betrayal. My closest friend has been by my side and helped me through such experiences without fail. They claim that they will continue to stay loyal to me no matter what I can and cannot give them. 

This is where my problem arises. 

After everything, I find myself doubting my friend. It sickens me to feel this way about someone who has been so very kind and supportive, however, I had felt the same way about all of my previous partners as well. I wish only for the ability to detect lies, in which my conscience can be cleared. Which brings me to my question. 

"I will always care for you no matter the circumstances"

How do I tell if these words can be trusted?

Sincerely,

Mistrust runs deep

To the deeply distrusting one,

Unfortunately, I find that I cannot surely answer your worries. 

Words are muddy and full of ulterior intentions that are always aiming for something. Even I cannot be certain of the motive behind my own words. Cannot be certain that they truly belong to me and that I have thought them. So, the only answer I feel is right -to give- is that while words cannot be guaranteed truths or lies, their purpose is almost always sincere. 

In light of this, all I can ask is that you think deeply of what your friend stands to gain from your continued trust and love; something that they either did not have before or was at risk of losing. From then onwards, you only have faith to rely on.  

From, 

Doctor Omniscience