Lowering of the guard

First impressions are over.

Those you feel you can’t trust are left to stagnate in the polite small talk lobby.

But those who you feel you could trust are given more of a chance.

A second interview or a probation period if you will, and passing that, they shall progress to the letting down of the guard.

Slowly now!

Not at all at once.

A smidge of vulnerability at a time.