Question

Yesterday you talked about hoping for the best but expecting the worst in our relationships. If we deal a lot with difficult people, how do we guard against becoming jaded, just believing everyone is out to get us, or just cynical about people and their motivations in general?

Answer

The number one way not to feel jaded or cynical about everybody, that they are not just out to get us, is that we have met people who are not out to get us. We know there are kind people who don't wanting anything from us, who are willing to give. All of you have been fortunate, you have already met people who are like that, so you don't have to feel everybody out there is out to get you. Be open, test them, see what they are like. If they are friendly to you, not always wanting things, fine, you can have a relationship with them. If they are going to be difficult all the time, if they are always out to get you and take from you, etc., then step back, but don't turn away from the whole humanity, just because the majority are being very selfish. As long as you have met one, as long as you have met two, which all of you have done at least, then you know there are other kind people out there.

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