#lovers – @nenelonomh on Tumblr

giving the benefit of the doubt (WHY?)

i am SO SICK of people pretending to be nonchalant, and heartless. it's horrible and unfair that people have to be in relationships where they are not making the most of their partner's care and instead worrying about how they come off.

especially if you change yourself for your partner - or vice versa.

while it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself from being taken advantage of, giving the benefit of the doubt (and being yourself) can lead to more positive and trusting relationships.

a lot of excuses that people make include not being able to trust after a bad relationship or bad breakup. this is fair, HOWEVER you cannot use this as a tool for the blame game. you must allow yourself to love and be loved.

here's how:

promotes trust: assuming positive intent can help build and maintain trust in your relationships. it shows that you believe in the goodness and honesty of others.
reduces conflict: jumping to negative conclusions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. giving the benefit of the doubt can prevent unnecessary arguments and foster a more harmonious environment.
encourages open communication: when you assume the best in others, it creates a safe space for open and honest communication. people are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
fosters empathy: this approach encourages you to consider other perspectives and understand that people might have reasons for their actions that you aren’t aware of. it helps you practice empathy and compassion.
reduces stress: constantly doubting others’ intentions can be mentally exhausting. giving the benefit of the doubt can reduce stress and help you maintain a more positive outlook.
improves relationships: relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding. by giving the benefit of the doubt, you show respect for the other person’s character and intentions, which can strengthen your bond.
personal growth: it helps you develop patience and tolerance. learning to give others the benefit of the doubt can make you a more understanding and forgiving person.
avoids misjudgment: sometimes, our initial assumptions can be wrong. giving the benefit of the doubt allows you to gather more information before making a judgment, reducing the risk of misjudging someone.

❤️joanne