Perhaps it is that the relationship between a married couple raises the bar to a level of trust that just isn't commonly achievable within other relationships? That's seems like it leans toward the way it ought to be.

Sort of a change of subject but not really:

I have been acquainted with an individual who is discouraged in their quest for truth because they perceive the other christians to have "perfect lives". This individual finds such unatainable and doesn't feel part of the group because of this. What could we do, as a group and in one on one situations to remedy this? You almost find yourself working up a list of confessions just to be helpful, but that seems more like wearing your sin as a badge of courage, and not the spirit in which confession should be rendered. The worst case scenario that just seems abominable is the one my mother (fm, for those who didn't know) spoke of, wherein the man tells the whole group something on himself and someone else.

I think the church serves a great purpose in keeping us accountable to one another, but that seems more of a one-on-one thing that still needs to develop over time, even within a group of wonderful people whom you've long since grown to love dearly.

Keep me honest, Craig.