I don't really distinguish between sympathy and honesty when I'm writing. The two go together - I'm interested in inhabiting my characters seeing the world through their eyes.
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
Friendship is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest craziest most dysfunctional family in the world all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair you'll be going 'you know we're alright. We are dang near royalty.'