Why do people do that?

[gcursor]

oftentimes I wonder why people react the way they do. I wanted to share a story with you that I have remembered for many years as to how people act:

 

Some years ago, I had this friend. During the winter one year, she would go out before everybody left work and she would clean off their car for them (however she told nobody about it). People started to talk. At first, people were like "Did you get your car cleaned off?" and some days later it turned into "Who is doing this? Why are they doing this?" My friend continued to do this over the period of a few weeks always cleaning off the cars exterior from snow.

 

Near the end of the 2nd week, people started saying things like "I don't like this. It's not right." or "I think something should be done". My friend remained quiet (she studies people as well) and people (left with their own insecurities and fears) started to think the worst. Talk turned to the more negative fears.

 

At the end of two weeks, my friend revealed to the people that she worked with that SHE was the one who was cleaning off the cars at night. "OH THANK YOU!" exclaimed one. "I always knew it was you. I wasn't worried." said another. Once the mystery was revealed, people's minds were quieted and their darkest fears were put to rest.

 

But I am always amazed thinking about that story how people often jump to the worst conclusions eventually even when there is nothing to indicate that. Its almost as if people automatically expect that nobody can do anything nice for anybody and there always has to be a string attached or else its not real. Interesting.

[jjkrkwood]

So whats THE question ? Why do people do nice things, OR Why do people jump to conclusions, OR Why do people clean snow off of cars ? I'm dizzy !!!!

[gcursor]

the question is

 

The question is: why do people assume the worst when somebody is trying to be nice?

Gcursor

 

So whats THE question ? Why do people do nice things, OR Why do people jump to conclusions, OR Why do people clean snow off of cars ? I'm dizzy !!!!

[Lookin]

Not a psychologist here, but I expect most folks are wired to take notice of things that are out of the ordinary. It's probably a useful protective mechanism, or it wouldn't have been passed down through the generations. While we always have the option to assume the best when we see something unusual, the life-saving benefit of this trait would most likely result from assuming the worst and taking some kind of precaution, even if that means being more alert or asking others what they think.

 

If your friend had left a note that said something like "Peace and Goodwill from the Snow Fairy", folks would probably have relaxed a bit more and had fun figuring out who their silent benefactor was.

 

On the other hand, had your friend written "Look Out!" on the rear window, she might have ended up pursuing her sociological studies in the psych ward at Bellevue. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

http://radio.foxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bellevue_0.jpg

[JT Brooklyn]

The question is: why do people assume the worst when somebody is trying to be nice?

Gcursor

 

IMHO ...Human Nature & Life Experiences overall!

[+ Travis69]

Like us who question an escort or masseur who has a really low rate. We all wonder "Hmmm, wonder what the catch is..."