I trust everybody until they give me a reason not to

Trust is a powerful force, yet it seems to be diminishing rapidly in today's world. People have grown increasingly skeptical and cautious, often assuming the worst in others. It’s a sad state of affairs when mistrust becomes the default, rather than giving others the benefit of the doubt. But I’ve made a conscious decision to trust until given a reason not to. And I believe it’s a mindset we should all consider embracing.

Yes, I’ve been taken advantage of, lied to, and even stolen from. Like many of you, I’ve encountered shady characters who seemed to confirm the notion that trust is a dangerous gamble. But here’s the thing: I refuse to let a few negative experiences define my entire view of humanity. Just because a few people have let me down doesn’t mean everyone will. And it’s unfair to ourselves and others to constantly fear being hurt.

In one of my earlier articles, I mentioned my belief that people are fundamentally good. This belief is something I hold onto tightly. I understand that sometimes, people lose their way. They make mistakes, often out of fear or desperation. But these instances should be seen as exceptions, not the rule. Most people are just trying to live their lives the best way they know how, and if given a chance, they’ll often surprise you with their kindness and decency.

So here’s my suggestion to humanity: trust everyone until they give you a reason not to. Don’t go looking for reasons to distrust. Instead, approach each new interaction with an open heart and an open mind. When someone does break your trust, you have every right to walk away. But don’t let that experience close you off from the rest of the world.

The truth is, we desperately need to rebuild our trust in each other. Without it, we become isolated, suspicious, and disconnected. We miss out on the beauty of human connection, on the opportunities to build meaningful relationships that can help us grow and thrive. Socializing shouldn’t be something we fear; it should be something we embrace with enthusiasm.

By choosing to trust, you’re not just giving others a chance—you’re giving yourself a chance to experience the richness of life that comes from genuine human connection. Trust is the foundation of any great society, and it’s up to us to rebuild it, one interaction at a time. So let’s start today. Let’s trust a little more, fear a little less, and watch how our world begins to change for the better.