I think we all have that with some people in real life. We have friends that we can pick up right where we left off with, like found family, even if we haven't been in touch much for two years. There's no mask.

My main character is purposely lying for much of the book. Only in the last chapter does the whole truth come out. So he isn't purple with anyone--but I suppose he is with himself. Others move in and out of spheres as the story moves forward. But his whole personality is based on being compelled to center others---so of course he isn't centered. (It's a chosen one religion thing.) Fascinating way to think about things.Really informs my understanding of what I've done/am trying to do.

The second main has no one she can trust, but some do move closer. And she sure centers herself.

Thanks, Denise!

Lisa, what I find in my judging contests (not so much any more!) and editing is that many writers are very good at the "surface" side of characters intimacy but not so much on the undercurrents. That's why I like this concept so much -- we can track the way we want/need a character to feel, just like we can track tension or a murder mystery, making sure that we don't leave anything out.
Glad I could give you some ideas!

Yes, it helps a lot with character arcs. Just having an idea as to the movement between those relationships helps.
Thanks!

Great! So glad to help.
Thanks!