The Verywell Mind Podcast Why Assuming the Best in People Benefits You By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Learn about our editorial process Published on January 14, 2022 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Friday Fix: Episode 135 More About the Podcast On The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Friday Fix: Episode 135 While some people say you should always give others the "benefit of the doubt," other people say doing so means you let people take advantage of you. After all, not everyone has good intentions. But assuming the best in others doesn’t have to come at your own expense. In fact, you can still assume other people are doing their best while also establishing clear boundaries with them. There’s a surprising upside of assuming the best in others; it actually lowers your stress levels. But it takes some practice. You might find yourself jumping to conclusions that assume bad intentions automatically. You’ll have to put in some effort to start assuming the best in others. So on today’s Friday Fix, I explain why it’s healthy to assume the best in others, how to do it, and how to establish healthy boundaries. More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Download the Transcript Links and Resources Follow Amy Morin on Instagram. Check out Amy’s books on mental strength. Watch Amy’s TEDx talk: “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong” If You Liked This Episode You Might Also Like These Episodes: Friday Fix: Why You Should Develop a Personal Mantra How to Develop Fierce Self-Compassion With Bestselling Author Kristin Neff Friday Fix: How Radical Acceptance Can Reduce Your Suffering Using Learned Optimism in Your Life By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit