How much should we trust people?

You set yourself up for disappointment every time you expect someone to think and behave as you do. You may expect a person to act a certain way in a given situation, but it doesn't always pan out that way, unfortunately.

How many times has someone done something to disappoint you, after which you expected an apology that never came to fruition?

How many one-sided friendships or relationships have you been in where only you invested time and energy in them?

While some people can be relied upon, others are only out for themselves -- all the time. Whether it's someone you call a close friend or a mere acquaintance, people can turn their backs on you at any moment.

That's why it's important never to expect too much from anyone, as cynical as that may sound. The only one you can fully depend on is yourself. Over time, people change, as do their lives. While change can be for the better, it is sometimes for the worse, as far as our friendships and relationships go.

You never want to put your full trust in any one individual. Everyone lets you down at one point or another -- in some shape or form.

Am I implying that you should never trust anyone? Not at all.

All I'm saying is that we should strive for a balanced approach. Don't always expect that people are out to do harm or deceive, but don't assume that they'll have your best interests at heart either. In other words, be friendly, warm, and approachable, but remain vigilant at all times.

In closing, giving out trust easily should never be in anyone's agenda. With human beings, the potential for disappointment is very real. Trust no one as much as you do yourself!

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