Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 26 to 30.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP
It is undeniable that friendship is important for just about everyone. Individuals with several close friends are usually happier than those without. Good friends often know things (26) ________ family members may not be aware of, even if they have lived together for years. This is probably because when in the (27) ________ of a good friend we share our secrets and dreams. Friends turn to one another for suggestions on how to solve their problems.
There is a tendency for close friends to be very honest, sometimes saying things the (28) ________ person may not want to hear! Good friends (29) ________ together, and the best relationships may last a lifetime. It is little surprise that most friends have similar personalities, which reduces the risk of conflict. (30) ________, people don’t always have an accurate picture of who their true friends are. Research shows that in a surprising number of cases a person someone considers a good friend doesn’t feel the same about them.
(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)