I don't think reaching for something that may or may not be there because you feel it's what you have to do is a genuine way to go about it. Chances are, you (like everyone else) close off parts of yourself willingly or unwillingly. Some people close off a lot. Others a little. One exercise in trust would be to second-guess yourself if you're talking to friends and family when you find something that you're hesitant to talk about for fear of their judgment or disinterest.

I often close myself off out of simple fear, since I'm used to rejection all around. I have a few online friends, and if I'm not careful I can start to shut them out too by opting not to talk about things that are bothering me or deepen conversations. Trying not to lose people can cause them to be lost, though.