Keep an open mind. Sometimes strangers will tell you something valid that your partner or best friends are afraid to tell you for fear of hurting your feelings & jeopardizing the relationship. As Hillary Clinton put it in an interview with Tavis Smiley, "

The film "The Godfather" had the line, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." Sometimes even an enemy, or a stranger, will point out a way you can improve your relationships that sounds mean, but can be practical and come in handy. "You meant it for harm, but the Lord meant it for good," as Joseph tells his brothers in the Bible when they did and said mean things to him.
I had a friend who was dating a man who had a bad reputation. She eventually found out, and asked everyone at our office, "Why didn't you guys tell me?" Nobody wanted to be the bearer of bad news. Ever hear of the term, "Shoot the messenger?" You may be right, but they'll hate you forever for it! "Silence is golden, but my eyes still see," was another song verse (from the 1960's). I've had to learn several lessons the hard way, trying to be loving and helpful w/family and friends, and falling flat on my face. I'm grateful to those who were willing to explain to me what my social mistake was. Not everyone really wants to hear the truth or a suggestion offered out of caring. Sometimes it's shocking or hurtful when you first hear it; but later on, you may thank the person, even if they're not a friend, for telling you a way you can get along w/people better, or avoid offending them.