A great philosopher once said:
> If you put your trust out there… if you give people the benefit of the doubt, see their best intentions… people will rise to the occasion.
(Okay I lied, it's not from a great philosopher, it's Paul Rudd playing Ned in 'Our Idiot Brother'.)
I would like to add one thing: doing the opposite is just too tiring, don't do it. Yes, some might try to take advantage of you, others might call you naive. As long as you have a functional brain, I bet you can avoid dramatic consequences. And you'll be happier and more relaxed.