I was watching a news magazine show the other day. As we know, the CDC has recently relaxed mask rules: if you are fully vaccinated, you pretty much don’t have to wear a mask unless otherwise directed. The host of the news show said to the director of the CDC-

“Aren’t you sort of relying on the honor system: that only fully vaxxed people will go unmasked?”

So I thought about that statement. How often are we on the honor system? How often do we trust those around us?

So today, I’m going to provide you with some prompts/situations, and figure out how trusting you are in each of them.

Do you trust:

  • government
  • science
  • CDC
  • vaccines

side note: if you trust vaccines and science and the CDC, are fully vaccinated and are still wearing a mask, I suggest you buy a couple of lottery tickets because you think the odds are fully in your favor

When you get in a car, do you trust:

  • drivers to not be under the influence
  • drivers to not be texting
  • drivers have valid licenses

when you are out, do you trust:

  • people to not mug you
  • people to not assault you
  • people to not pickpocket you

when you go on a date, do you trust:

  • your date to show up
  • your date to not rob you
  • your date to not assault you
  • your date to treat you with respect

When you are in a relationship, do you trust:

  • your partner not to ghost you
  • your partner not to abuse you
  • your partner not to take all your money
  • your partner not to kill you

Obviously, I could keep listing things….Don’t we always work on an honor system of sorts?

All the things I have mentioned about have the possibility of actually happening. The percentages may be small, but there is still that chance. How do we determine which risks to take, which situations to enter?

Isn’t everything a risk?

Aren’t we always taking a chance?

In your day to day life, how much do you trust people, situations, infrastructure?

At this moment I am trusting that no one is going to set fire to my building, no one is going to drive a truck into the lobby, no one is going to run past my doorman and invade apartments.

I trust my appliances to work. Electricity and gas and plumbing.

I trust all the workers in the building. I trust my neighbors.

Of course we take precautions: I lock my door. I make sure my oven is off. But even with all the precautions in the world, things still happen.

Can we guard against everything?

How do we assess risk?

How do we assess living?

79 thoughts on “Anything Can Happen Friday: Trust”

    1. I’ve never been robbed by a date, but I know who people who have lost clothing, jewels, and small tokens by people they were on dates with, and this if from awhile back as well.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Years ago, I did lose a wallet. I was on a date and we went swimming at a health club. I had a day pass. It was a very nice club. Someone broke the lock and took my wallet. Never ever lost clothing, jewels or token.

        Like

  3. And that was in Midtown Manhattan. I have lost a few items in my younger days due to trusting old roommates, so I can understand your point of view. As for the other things mentioned, it is a roll of the dice. But you can’t spend your time hiding. We have to trust our intuition and keep our eyes open.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. PARTICULARLY the car scenarios. I’ve always wondered why people are so upset about their rights being violated when we’re required by law to wear seatbelts. Sorry for deviating from the topic. But yes, I agree with what you said. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. If I trust the vaccine I shouldn’t have to worry about the fact that I don’t trust other people. If I trust the science and have been saying for a year that we need to follow the science it makes no sense for me to now not trust and follow the science. I don’t trust other drivers, but I trust my observation and alertness to keep me as safe as possible. I generally trust that most people will do whatever is best for them without thinking about how it affects others.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Someone posted the other day…I’m vaccinated, I believe in science I believe in vaccines, but I don’t trust you, that’s why I’m wearing a mask…I don’t comprehend…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      3. Because you can still pick up germs. As a person in cancer treatment I’m not as worried about getting covid since. Im vaccinated as much as I am about contracting any other kind of disease. If non vaccinated people don’t wear masks they can pick up germs more easily, possibly mutate the current covid 19, which would require another type of vaccine, plus they can spread who knows what. I have to protect myself. And I wish others would wear masks to safe guard other vulnerable people in our population. until 90% of the population is vaccinated this disease is still dangerous . I taught school and Kids without vaccines couldn’t come to school because they spread disease. When you teach in a classroom and one child has a stomach flu, by the end of the week everyone in the class gets it including the teacher. Diseases spread. Kids with pink eye are sent home. One child with pink eye and a classroom full of kids get it. Same with lice. Science or not, disease spreads.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I get how fast things spread. I know that I didn’t have a cold this past year, and if people want to wear masks forever, I say have a great time. However, if you get vaccinated then you should believe that you’re not going to get Covid 19 because your inoculated against it. Say you get the measles vaccine: what if that’s a 94% effective rate. Do you ask people if they have all their vaccinations? Technically you could still get sick from any disease because you just don’t know. I believe that I’m not going to get Covid 19 because I’m fully vaccinated…call me a cockeyed optimist, but there you go. My mask is off anyplace I can can. I had my physical the other day…my pcp is one of the experts of Covid, wrote a book is on committees etc. he said if you’re fully vaxxed, live and live well. I’m going to trust my doctor and science that I no longer need to wear a mask. Anyone who makes blanket statements about being afraid of others who are not vaxxed is proving the point of non vaxxed….that it’s not effective

        Liked by 2 people

      5. I understand how you feel. However, until my oncologist’s office changes its rules I’ll keep on my mask. He still doesn’t let family members in, keeps social distancing in the waiting room, everyone is masked etc. Besides his cancer qualifications he also has his MPH (like Fauci) so he’s aware of community health issues and until his requirements go back to what they were, then I won’t change. But I totally respect your point of view. I’m really not worried about covid right now. However, with a vulnerable immune system I’m prepared and stay masked. I had to sit for over seven hours of chemo wearing a mask. So masks don’t bother me.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. My doc said we should probably always be masked in anything health related, including nursing homes…but that’s a forever thing, not just now. But everything else…but I totally get why you’re reluctant…your immune system is still wonky….I totally get your reasoning

        Liked by 1 person

  7. They are working on an old bridge on the way to my moms..one lane is all chopped up. The bridge spans a canal so I lower my window every time I drive over..just in case it gives way one day and I wind up in the drink. I don’t really trust anything or anyone 100%..but I keep “driving”..if you know what I mean..it doesn’t stop me.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. Hmmm, I don’t trust other drivers, because I’ve seen too many idiots on the road. And I want to trust the government and CDC now because I want to take my mask off and resume life as normally as possible.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. I generally give everyone and everything the benefit of the doubt – initially. Then I let actions speak for themselves, as such I do not trust the Gov’t and the CDC is an arm of the Gov’t. Science and vaccines have never done me wrong so I trust them and as for other drives, they are a danger to us all. I was almost killed the other day when some punk kid blew through a red light because he was clearly playing with his phone.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. I think that by definition trust implies a belief in honesty and truth, but does not guarantee it 100% of the time. Reality backs that up because I seriously doubt that anyone is honest and truthful 100% of the time. I’d like to meet that person if they exist. I think the real question comes back to your comments on risk. We have to decide for ourselves on individual risk levels and live accordingly.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. …and… specifically looking at the pandemic I think we’re in a better place at this point to trust ourselves as far as the risk issue goes. Vaccines are making a difference, even though some will debate that, or their efficacy in general. No one claims that they will prevent Covid, but the risk is lessened as more people vaccinate. Personally that aspect allows me to feel more confident than I have in 12+ months.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  11. All those years in Catholic school where the answer to almost every question was “you have to have faith and trust,” I guess that’s my standard. I do trust until I’m wrong. If I had to walk through life not trusting anything, I would probably be a mess.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. I feel that the honor system is fine with masks. Since I’m vaccinated I honestly don’t care what other people do. When I visited my mom in WA recently, I invited my aunt from Portland to drive up and join us. My aunt isn’t vaccinated and I had other family members, who are vaccinated refuse to see her. Since my mom and I are vaccinated I was fine spending time with my aunt. It hard to trust the government, the CDC etc. because they’ve been wrong so often.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. I certainly don’t trust the UK government – especially this one, but I’ve probably lacked in trust for many of those which came before it too. In general, I do trust science. I offer no comment on the CDC as I’m a UK national, but I’ve a degree more trust in independent, peer reviewed scientists than governmental bodies. I trust vaccines as I’ve travelled widely and have relied on vaccinations to keep me safe for decades. In terms of day-to-day life, I offer trust unless or until I see it’s misplaced, when it’s rapidly withdrawn. That said, I’m pragmatic and accept there’s risk in everything, so it’s up to each one of us to decide where our lines lie as we get on with the business of living. As for wearing a mask despite being fully vaccinated, trusting in science & vaccines, I don’t wear a mask to protect myself. It’s been made very clear that the wearing of masks is for the protection of others and not self, so I wear mine for the benefit of those still to be vaccinated. And I never buy lottery tickets – do you know how ridiculous the odds are?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Hmmmmm. I think trust is a byproduct of being in a relationship with someone or a thing. I would then say that I trust in myself that if there is a trust issue, with anyone or thing, I am going to ask questions to better understand what I am dealing with. Specifically with the CDC, vaccinations, etc., I am planning to wear my mask while in Los Angeles. Probably not outside in less crowded spaces, but will wear it often. I am learning that people in Los Angeles are already beginning to question people for wearing masks, and they are doing so in inappropriate ways. Will be an interesting trip…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. This post reminds me of Mother Teresa’s prayer. Basically, the world and its inhabitants are going to let you down in one way or another. Even so, you should go out there and give it all you have, anyway. What you do, how you act, how you choose to be? It’s not between you and the world, it’s between you and God. So basically, I trust in God; not as much as I’d like to in peeps; but I give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove I can’t. Mona

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. I think a civil society is based on trust, and that is why we are having so many problems today. The government and the medical “experts” have proven themselves to be untrustworthy. As for masks, I would remind others that herd immunity is not achieved only through vaccination. In fact, the people who have had Covid-19 are safer than those who have been vaccinated.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. I agree that we trust and operate on the honor system in many ways. The science says I’m safe without a mask, so it doesn’t matter so much if others wear them or not. If the sign on the door says wear a mask, then I do. When they don’t, I don’t.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. After I heard the interviewer ask that question, I immediately thought that we are always giving the benefit of the doubt. While we learn to adapt (in NYC I’m never leaving my phone on a table and walking away) for the most part, we do trust

      Like

      Reply

  22. I feel I can trust what you have listed but I trust some things more than others. And like you pointed out, even with trusting you still have to take proper precautions. If not, then you are blindly trusting and that can turn out bad!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Exactly. There’s risk with every single thing we do…we need to assess everything on an individual basis…trust is hard, but we also forget how much we do trust….

      Like

      Reply

      2. When I started thinking about the times we trust, or we are on the honor system, I just kept going…

        Like

  23. Yay! I was able to go in and see this post. But I’m still working on subscribing again. Hope that works!
    Anyhow, I trust science, the CDC etc. and government agencies when we have reliable people in charge.
    However, I have learned during this pandemic that half the population is selfish and a third of the population is downright ignorant or crazy. I live in an over 55 community in Florida . Even at the height of the pandemic the most vulnerable element of society down in the sunshine state still refused to wear masks or social distance. There were quarantined buildings in my development and still some die heart right wing nuts refused to be masked or believe in science. So, no I don’t trust people In my south Florida community to be honest about having had the vaccine, especially when I know that a third of the people in my own building refused to get vaccinated or wear masks. I think in general a good portion of Americans are idiots. And certainly some of Congress prove that to be true. So, I will continue to wear a mask everywhere I go.
    I know all the adults in my immediate family have been vaccinated. So that’s different, But I don’t trust a good portion of the population. Remember, I live in Florida and Gov. DeStupid didn’t believe the virus was dangerous.
    I think many young people are careless and many others are selfish and don’t give a damn about others.
    I think all businesses should still be requires to wear masks. Especially food stores and restaurants. We will never end this thing as long as people are careless.
    Life has changed forever and a good portion of people in Florida are selfish fools. And that sadly is what I think!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Here’s the thing though. I’m loathe to single out any group or anything. Where I live, statistically by zip code, the areas hardest hit and lowest vaccinated are those with the majority of people of color, low income and hassidic people. And the zips are Democrat. I wore a mask, got vaccinated and listened to all the recommendations and executive orders. But I don’t want to categorize who did and who didn’t. I still trust science and am proceeding accordingly .

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I totally understand. But I have close friends living in NYC and they tell me everyone in their buildings wear masks, everyone followed rules carefully etc. one of my closest friends who I went to college with and who visits Fl several times a year ( except during the pandemic) would constantly state how differently things were handled in NYC. You all were responsible. My friends and family were responsible too. But, Florida is a whole other thing.
        My son, the director who lives in Atlanta, who would drive down to see me after he was vaccinated, stated even in Georgia people social distanced and wore masks. But the minute he drove into northern Florida (when there was still an emergency mask order) nobody wore one at rest stops etc. He said it was crazy. He drove all through Florida not stopping and went to the bathroom on the side of the road because Nobody in Florida was following CDC Rules at all, and he was terrified of infecting me with something on his visits. So my state is not NY. Even Georgia was better at following the CDC rules. Go figure!
        However, I think you don’t have to worry much where you are. And let’s hope more people continue to get vaccinated.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Middle class neighborhoods here…sure…we obeyed the rules. Even at the height of the pandemic my zip code had a really low rate. But here, the incentives to get people to vaccinate…free train rides, metro cards, baseball tickets…they’ve set up vaccination stations in the streets, and at subway stations…Uber has a program where you can donate a ride to people who aren’t mobile….still really difficult to get those three groups who predominate certain zip codes to vaccinate. I think there are all sorts who don’t want to be vaccinated, but my thought is, I am, I wash my hands a lot, and I’m going to trust that I’m not one of the statistics that the vaccine was not effective on…if half the population is vaccinated, even with a 6% in effective rate, your chance of getting it is slim…as to the variants….we just don’t know…and don’t forget…we have to trust that people will get boosters….I think that’s a whole other can of worms eight months from now

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yeah it’s a crap shoot. I’m getting out more now. But I still won’t go inside to a restaurant. I’m back to walking out and about, going only to stores that require masks and social distancing. I am disappointed personally because I feel like I’m on my own now. I preferred the CDC waited u til the percentage of vaccinated people was higher to lift the mask rule. But I can only control what I do now. That’s frustrating because of my unique health situation.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. You’re in a different risk group than I am. But I will say that as things have opened, I’ve gone. Museums, botanic gardens restaurants movies. When things open I’m good. We go on vacation next week. It’s a risk…but when isn’t life a risk? I’m much more worried about getting in a car…talk about not trusting people to do the right thing! Yesterday when I was walking home, I saw the aftermath of someone getting hit by a car. A few weeks ago I actually saw someone get hit by a car. The mask wasn’t really a deterrent…it’s whatever your risk tolerance is. And trust me….I’m very risk adverse….

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I understand. My oldest son and his family went on a mini vacation last week. He still has the kids wear masks wherever they go though. My grandson is in fifth grade and a real science tech nerd. He’s always wearing a mask. He created a virtual video game of the Corona virus where scientists shoot and kill the virus using virtual vaccines. Lol it’s a whole new world!

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I’m generally trusting, to a fault at times, but I can either go through life with my arms ready to protect or ready to embrace? I’ve been surprised only a few times by people intent on harm, but 99.9 percent of the time people are good. Also I don’t hang out in seedy areas in the dark, so there’s that! Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. On a slightly off note: my daughter and husband recently visited my mother in law in Florida. Long story but my mother in laws car got towed. They had to go to this deserted lot to pick up the car. My daughter sent me a picture because she was sure it was the home to serial killers…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  26. In my humble opinion, we cannot guard against everything, nor can we trust fully in every situation/person. But I do my best to take precautions and to understand that things happen that I have no control over, so I do my best to take control when/where I can.

    Like

    Reply

  27. You raise all good points about trust. I absolutely don’t trust the government. “Science” has become fluid and is only followed when it supports a narrative. The CDC? No way. I’m vaxxed but the jury is still out on the mRNA method for vaccine development so I’m not going to push those who distrust the process. But, we have to trust in something, or we’ll never really live life. I can see scenarios where people will always want to wear masks. And that it their prerogative. They should not be shamed because of it. For me, I find it sad to have the mindset that life is so toxic, we must always be on guard.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was iffy about vaccinations too. As a rule I don’t like them. What really got me on this topic are the people posting…”I trust the vaccine, I trust science but I don’t trust you. That’s why I’m wearing a mask” to me…that person actually doesn’t believe in science or the vaccine. It’s a ridiculous statement. I don’t care what people do or don’t do…however…if they say something illogical I’ll pounce on it

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  28. You achieve the best odds of avoiding bad things by trusting yourself and your instincts first as you know what’s best for you. After that you trust those that have proven over time to be trust worthy like certain family and a good friend or three.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s