I See You
- TJ DeLoatch
- Jul 7, 2024
- 2 min read

I've always believed that trust is a fundamental part of human relationships. But recently, I've come to see trust in a new light. It all started when I began to realize the exhausting toll of constantly questioning myself harshly when actions didn't match up with
the word equation of people's intentions. This new understanding has changed how I approach trust, and I want to share that journey with you.
For a long time, I thought trust meant believing in the best of people, giving them the benefit of the doubt no matter what. But over time, I learned that this approach often led to disappointment and a lot of wasted energy. So, I began to see trust differently—not as blind faith in others, but as a recognition of their true nature.
“Always trust everyone to be themselves, but trust in the fact that you can see them well.” This saying hit me hard when I first heard it. It’s a reminder that trusting someone doesn’t mean ignoring their flaws. Instead, it means understanding and accepting them for who they are.
Consider a snake. We all know a snake will bite if threatened. Trusting a snake means recognizing its nature and being cautious around it. Similarly, a liar will lie, a thief will steal, and a manipulator will manipulate. This doesn’t mean we should become cynical or mistrusting of everyone we meet. Rather, it means we should be aware and realistic about people's behaviors.
When I started to trust people to be themselves, I found a new kind of peace. I trusted a liar to lie, and a thief to steal. I trusted a manipulator to try and manipulate me, and a predator to prey on me. I trusted a user to use me, and an inconsistent person to show me that I was optional in their life.
This shift in perspective wasn’t about becoming pessimistic. It was about conserving my energy and protecting myself from unnecessary hurt. By acknowledging the nature of the people around me, I learned to set boundaries and manage my expectations.
Seeing the light doesn’t mean expecting the worst from everyone. It means understanding that people are complex and often act in ways that reflect their true nature. Trust them to be who they are, but know them when you see them. This way, you can navigate relationships with a clear mind and an open heart, without the constant burden of unrealistic expectations.
So, my journey of learning to trust has brought me to a place of clarity and calm. It takes too much energy not to trust someone. Trust them to be who they are, but be wise enough to see them clearly. In this way, trust becomes not a gamble but a thoughtful acceptance of reality.
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