Is being naive necessarily a bad thing?

Question

I sometimes think I am too trusting, and people have said that I am too quick to believe everything I hear. However, in my opinion this is better than being mistrusting and always seeing the worst in people. Do you agree, or do you think being so trusting is a bad thing?

Answer 1

Being trusting is not necessarily a bad thing. It's hard to know when to trust and when to be suspicious, because each stance can be useful in it's own way. If we trust, then we are open to being betrayed, but if we never trust, then we can never enjoy our relationships. I think the goal is to get so that you can balance each one, and do it at the right time, but there's no clear guide on how to do this. The best way is just to continue being yourself, and learn from experience the best way to live your own life ;)

Answer 2

That can go either way, good or bad. Being trusting is a good thing, as long as you realize that not all people are good. Being able to determine the good from the bad is usually the hard part though. The best thing though is to trust yourself, if someone tells you or asks you to do something, and you get that instinctual feeling that something is wrong, go with it. Just because you may try to look beyond what someone is saying and trying to find the real meaning behind something doesn't make you mistrusting or seeing the worst in someone, it's just being cautious for your own sake.

Answer 3

As with most things in life there is no definitive answer.

If you trust too much you will get hurt however to not trust at all is to never experience a relationship to the full.

I think the key is to add experience so that you dont trust completely straight away and let the people around you earn it ..that way you can trust them in the end but if they hurt you it wont be quite so bad.

Quite a balancing act and WAY easier said than done :)

Answer 4

Being naive is definatly a bad thing! It is possible to trust people and not be naive as trust comes from previous experience and should always be earnt. The world just isnt a nice enough place to be oblivious to the fact some people are just nasty, so be aware of it, just dont let it colour your perception of people, trust can be given to freely as well remember.

EDIT

I know that sounds extremely pessimisstic, it's not meant that way at all, lol

Answer 5

when ur too naive people will start taking you for a chump and will start to abuse you. It's ok to be trusting of people who you know are truthworthy but it'd be to your best interest to give someone the benefit of the doubt of what they're telling you but not automatically believe it to be true until you can prove it or someone else tells you the same thing...

It's different to give someone who you don't know too well the benefit of the doubt that to just go all out and believe them and this is probably what you're confusing...

so yes, don't be so naive, for your own good... too many bad people out there wanting to do others harm and being naive is a bad thing in that case.

Answer 6

Being naive is not a bad thing in terms of your attitude. You are probably very friendly, caring and loyal. However, being naive is a bad thing because you are more likely to get hurt and leave yourself open for disappointment and let downs. People may even take advantage of your trusting and loyal nature and treat you unfairly. You probably expect a lot from people and are therefore more likely to get let down.

Answer 7

You should make yourself somewhere inbetween. In the world that we live in today, there is such a thing called YING and YANG. Not everyone can be trusted, not everyone was raised like you or me. Some people deal with things differently and can result in you being hurt. thats why you must look at things in a good way and in a bad way, to prevent yourself from falling for lies.

I am not saying trust everyone, and not to trust anyone. But please do open your eyes up and realize that not everyone reacts the same, not everyone tells the whole truth and not everyone is a good person.

Answer 8

I think being naive is wonderful. Too bad I'm cursed with being mistrusting of all humans. I only trust myself, and I know I can, because I'm on my side. I love myself more than you could ever imagine. Sometimes with fun toys.

Answer 9

It's ok to trust others. But you must always keep your wits about you. You can believe in people,but don't forget your common sense. It's alright to help people, but don't cut off your nose to
spite your face. Be all of the "Good Samaritan" you want, but be
aware of the fact; There are those who prey on people like YOU.
They rely on the kindness of others,& they take advantage of
YOU. Not all people do this, but enough to make me wary. I help
the less fortunate any way I can. BUT, I won't allow myself to
be SUCKERED in. And You shouldn't either.

Answer 10

I would like to say that trust is a good thing, but unfortunately experience has taught me otherwise! These days people have to earn my trust and the people closest to me are even closer because of that...