Su_GMy 1st thought was that the 'benefit of the doubt' is (just) a lazy way of thinking (like stereotypes) - but lazy can be good: it lets us get on with things quicker & stops us wasting time on stuff that isn't rewarding. Unless they're actively evil, trying to harm you or another, where's the value in evaluating/ assessing people or their motives when you could be using the same energy in more personally rewarding ways, like listening to music or planning a party etc... But it could also reflect a generational attitude/ approach & be part of why older people (who grew up in less complex times) can be more vulnerable to cons & scams. ๐
Then I thought of times I've been told to give 'the benefit of the doubt' - usually by those who are determined not to give it to me... ๐
So I see that it can be a double-edged sword & like most things to do with people, more complicated than it looks on the surface. It's certainly provoked an interesting discussion! I enjoyed reading this thread - thank you for kicking it off! ๐