Trust, optimism, and me

I was told today that I'm an optimist. I thought all my optimism had been worn off by time, that I'd become a cynic through and through thanks to time and the business world. It was a bit of a shock to realize that the person who said this is right when it comes to friendships and my social life.

Recent events in our guild have made me realize I tend to give complete trust when I give my friendship, and that I tend to remain unswervingly trusting even when there are hints that I'm overlooking major character flaws. I wear giant blinders, something I would never tolerate in my business life.

As a result, although that makes me a good friend to the person I've given my trust to...it also seems to make me a total patsy, someone who is easy to fool. When faced with complete evidence of wrong-doing in someone I trusted I continue to say "let's not be hasty" and want more and more evidence before (finally) removing that trust.

Unfortunately, this time I have definitely seen proof, and I seriously feel betrayed. It sucks.

And it makes me doubt myself and my judgement. It's really sad to think that the actions of this one person will make me doubt myself and feel uncomfortable making new friends for some time.