“TRUST, BUT VERIFY”
Jane Dovidio-Gagliardo
How many people are there in your circle who you would trust with your life, your children’s lives, or your reputation? Ohhhh, this is such a great subject because there are so many people in my life. So many friends. But, I think I can count, on one hand, those who I can always “Trust” and never have cause to “Verify” anything. My many friends are fun and great, but my “family friends,” are few; but important. I truly love them and would do anything for them. I turn to my “Family Friends” for advice and guidance. And trust their words of advice, and genuinely appreciate all that I learn from them. But when others try to give me advice or incorrectly think my life is their business, I listen to their words, but always take whatever time I need to verify what they tell me, particularly if it’s about someone else.
I have discovered, throughout my lifetime, that not all the people in my life or circle really have my best interest at heart. Believe me when I tell you that jealousy has a very insidious and unseen way of entering and wrecking-havoc through our lives… if we allow it entry. Yet, there are those who think they can manipulate others or turn their misguided advice into something that benefits them. These are the people we must all keep an eye on. You may be wondering, why even keep them in your life? Why bother with them? The answer is simple because sometimes it’s better to allow them to think they are worming their way into gaining control over you. For some ungodly reason, it makes them feel important. Keep them in your life but from a distance. So, when I say “Trust, But Verify,” these are the very people you must remain consciously aware of.
You may also be thinking “Is it even worth it to keep these people in some part of my life?” The answer is a resounding “YES!” Why… because they teach you how people with misguided and predatory mentalities operate. Observe them and never underestimate their capacity to talk about you, try to discourage you or bring you down. Again, are they worth being friendly with? Yes. Like the saying goes “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” By doing this, you are able to gain clarity with respect to how they act or react to your life choices. The depths of their negativity will surface and become abundantly clear. This will enable you to better detect others, with the same characteristics and self-serving intentions, before they can enter your life and create avoidable chaos. Again, always remember to “Trust, But Verify,” whenever anyone new enters your circle of loving and supportive people. Also, keep in mind that the people in your life don’t have to be strangers. They can also be family members who are untrustworthy. Sad but true.
I leave you with this quote: “Don’t Trust Everything You See. Even Salt Looks Like Sugar.” (Unknown) Stay Safe. Stay Strong. Stay Fearless.
