これ、それ、あれ are demonstrative pronouns that simply indicate the object in association with its physical distance. The English counterparts to これ、それ、あれ are "this (one right here)", "it (just there)" and "that (over there)."
In both Japanese and English, you wouldn't say "あれ下さい / Give me that" by pointing roast beef shown on the menubook in your hand with your forefinger. You wouldn't say "これ見せてください / Show me this" by pointing at a pair of shoes displayed on the shelf far behind the counter.
It's simple and crystal clear. There's no room for giving you an improper answer. Just watch and listen to how three-year-old children say. They wouldn't confuse usages of これ、それ、あれ. Nothing is complicated as you think. Forget about "こそあど," which even most Japanese don't understand. Don't overthink and get confused unnecessarily.
If you step into "derivative" uses of これ、それ、あれ, you'll be strayed. For example;
あいつには"これ"がいるんでね - He has a love.
彼女はあいつの"れこ"(reverse of これ)だ. - She is his love.
家の"あれ"が煩いんだ - My wife is fussy and nitpicky.
あれかい? - Do you mean that (thing, object, subject)?
あれ、それ、何つーたっけか - Well, whatchamacallit.
あれから3か月 - Three months after then.
I can spin out endlessly. But all of these are different beasts from original and proper これ、それ、あれ. Forget about it.