a common reality

"I know you better then you know yourself." This is the exact quote that was said by a person who was wanting to develop a relationship with another person.  I don't know if there was honesty in that emoting of arrogance.  It seems to be a core philosophy many people embrace.  

The message conveys: I will allow you to be what I know. Stop breathing I will do that for you.

It's possible the tactic was to determine the core value of the other person. In an attempt to provoke a response. It completely shut down the dialog. To some people this maybe considered friendly banter. To others it is controlling and antagonistic. The things that create a neverending defeat.