One thing I have been noticing as I'm getting older is that people aren't always good. Yes, I know, took me almost 20 years to wake up and join the real world. I wouldn't necessarily call myself naive, but I have come to the conclusion that I have this false perception of people. To me, people should always own up to their actions, thoughts and feelings; wouldn't the world just work better this way? Honestly though, I have begun to understand that I cannot hold anyone else to my own expectations because that only leads to disappointment.

"Not everyone has the same heart as you do."

You can say that again! I was raised to see the best in people, and have always given more than enough chances. I have gone above and beyond for others, while getting the bare minimum in return. Not only is this exhausting, but it's disheartening to think that your all is not enough. It's so easy to take this situation and let it change you for the worst, and many people do. Many people who feel this way have this chip on their shoulder, and have built up walls so high that they aren't even sure if it's possible to break them down anymore. They close themselves off to anything positive and begin to live in this comfortable bubble, but what kind of life is that?

Finding someone to trust is hard and it's scary, there is no doubt about that. Giving someone the opportunity to break your heart is never something to take lightly. Many people have completely shut down the idea of trusting anyone because of the fear of being let down. Instead of opening up to people and giving them the chance to prove you wrong, you refuse to give them anything to hold on to, so they leave and you're left to wonder why: no one wants to build a relationship where they feel like the other person isn't putting in as much as they are.

"You can't blame someone new for what someone old did."

This is something I have etched in my brain. I have given my trust to plenty of people that didn't deserve it and I could have let it destroy all of my potential future relationships, but instead I decided to leave it all in the past. I decided that it was unfair for someone new to pay for the damage someone old caused. Life gives you so many opportunities to grow, positive and negative, you just have to choose which ones are worth it. It's scary, and it's totally a leap of faith, but the best things are.

Instead of focusing on the past and the hurt, focus on the future. Give someone the opportunity to prove you wrong! Trust is big, and it doesn't come easy, but finding someone you trust is so refreshing. This opportunity could give you all you've been looking for, but you have to be willing to take a step outside of your comfort zone and give someone a chance. Instead of closing the door to a possible life changing opportunity, let go of the hurt that you have dragged with you for so long and give someone that chance.