If you say something stupid - you get called out by POTUS. If you betray him, he disparages you. He's not shy about it. If you are honest, polite and don't betray him, you won't have any problems. I don't see why this system is so hard for people to figure out.

Have they never been to NYC or had friends from there? Being forthright is part and parcel of growing up there. If someone from there isn't being open with you, they are most likely backstabbing you and at the very least, they don't like or trust you.