xx-TeenageDirtbag
Honestly, we all do it don't we? If someones wearing a short skirt, we think 'wow she must be such a slut' even though maybe shes just grown out of it, or she has low self esteem and just wants to fit in.
And if someones talking about how they did really well on a test, or how they got into an accelerated class, once again we think ' wow they are so up theirselves, they must be a stuck up b***h' even though maybe they just finally had something to be proud of.
We all do it, and it happens to most of us at some point in our lives.
So feel free to discuss your experiences with this, your opinions, and if you agree or disagree with this .
The examples you mentioned are not "assuming the worst", those would be "forming a bad first impression". Yes, we all form first impressions, and to tell you the truth, mine turn out wrong half the time. They're based on the simplest, stupidest things but they're there and you probably won't change them until you actually get to know that person, that's when your first impression would be altered to better or worse. As long as you are aware that it's merely a first impression and that they might not be like that at all, then you'll do just fine.
Assuming the worst of others would be expecting them to do something bad to you, or letting you down. I think it's more of a defense mechanism: you just automatically assume that no one will remember your birthday so that if it's true, and they don't remember it well, you knew that already and won't feel too bad or hurt about it. If they do remember it then it's fine and makes you happy. It's always better to expect the worse but hope for the best.