The other day I was listening to a podcast and it pointed out that one of the unique and fantastic pillars of the American criminal justice system is that people should be innocent until proven guilty. It also noted that this principle has been slowly fading from importance in the court room.

Not only can the absence of this approach be seen in certain criminal trials, but this style of thinking seems to be fading from our social interactions in general. The more I watch and converse with people the more I have noticed that people make people prove their worth to them, rather than their lack of worth. This is a problem because it sees all people under the premise that most likely a person is unworthy of your respect, kindness or time, unless proven otherwise.

I'm not saying there isn't a place for social skepticism. You probably shouldn't trust a stranger in New York City with your car keys and I would try to refrain from including your social security number on your Instagram bio, but that's just me. I am however saying you should have a little more faith in humanity and the individual humans within it.

How different would the world be if you approached every interaction keeping in mind that everyone has something about them to admire. To look for the good, the interesting and the unique in every person you meet, rather than waiting for an opportunity to discredit or invalidate them. Be aware of the perception you bring to every situation, because as a piece of wallpaper once read, "We see things not as they are, but as we are."