Often, experience is the only guidebook we have, and so it is natural to use that to draw our conclusions. Having said that, I can honestly say that I try very hard not to paint everyone with the same brush in these cases. Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, and when it comes right down to it, you just basically have to consider how you'd feel if the situation were reversed and then act accordingly.

what you assume to be truth, or do you wait to find out?
In another thread, someone asked a question that have seen before and alot of negativity came from people who weren't involved, had perhaps similar circumstances and some answers from people who never experienced it.
Since it involved emotions, my inclination used to be is that when I think the worse am usually -way- off base.
Ie he didn't call because he's a smuck, or thinks is too good for me
and when I ask they have a perfectly rational reason (was caught up in a conversation, had a emergency, etc) and I am so glad didn't follow my first impulse to get upset with them.
So..what do you do?
Are you patient, or do you naturally assume someone is taking advantage of you?
I was very surprised to see almost all the answers were extremely hostile...do you base all your present reactions on one or two negative experiences from the past?