I think as a whole, there are more people in this world that will choose to see the worst in people than to see the good. I think that people chose to see what they want to see. It's sometimes easier to pick out someone's flaws because maybe that's what that person chose to lead with and it's what's ultimately thrown in your face. Have you ever thought that maybe this person isn't really like that, or that these negative qualities they are choosing to portray to the world were caused by something or someone much greater than you and I?
How many people have you met that you said to yourself "this person is the worst" or "how does anyone get along with them?" I know that there are times I have, but I would say for me I try my best to chose to see the best in people, regardless of how horrible I may think they are upon first meeting them or even having known them for years.
I think it's important to see the good in people. Everyone has a story, everyone goes through things that probably made them the way they are now. To be able to put yourself in their shoes, to be able to at least try and understand what causes them to act or say the things that they do, is what can make you different than everyone else. Don't get me wrong, there are bad people in this world that do horrible things and I understand that. I'm not trying to convince you that everyone is good. What I am trying to say is, to not be closed off to the idea that everyone has struggles, that even when you think there could be nothing good about this person, to try and give them the benefit of the doubt because maybe they're dying for someone do just that.
Seeing the good in people definitely comes with some consequences. You're more vulnerable to getting hurt, to being disappointed, and to being taken advantage of. Sometimes, you expect things of people, and they aren't able or willing to meet those expectations. You want to believe everyone is inherently good, but you have to be honest with yourself in admitting that's not always the case. That doesn't mean you have to stop looking for that good. You learn from it and you expect it the next time, but you should never stop believing that people are capable of redeeming themselves. That choosing to understand rather than run away makes you a person of empathy, a person that people feel comfortable coming to, and a person that's willing to see the good despite the possibility that you could get hurt.
It's interesting. In a way seeing the good in people is somewhat selfless. It's in some way shape or form putting other people before yourself and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Again, I'm not trying to convince you everyone is good and to forget about your own well being, because you at the end of the day need to look out for yourself. What I'm trying to express is that seeing the good in someone might be a little harder than seeing the bad, but it's worth it.
Whether you've just met this person or you've known them for years, I believe and will stand by that most people have something positive to offer, it could just take a little longer to find it.
