Benefit of the doubt?

On my way back to the airport today, my kind driver asked (in very broken English) whether I would like a cup of tea?

Bare in mind that we're driving through the desert. There are a few garages and 'cafes' every 10km or so. 

I politely said 'no thanks' but he proceeded to stop anyway. I'm not normally a jumpy person but by this point I've started recording voices on my phone and I have my keys in my hand (I've clearly watched too many action movies).

My driver returns with two cups of tea. I hesitate but take the offered cup. I'm now left with the dilemma of refusing the tea, or driving it and potentially being drugged (yes too many movies).

I drink the tea... The tea is delicious. I don't pass out, wake up groggy with a sore bottom (thank god!). 

No I drunk the tea, we proceeded to have a broken English conversation and I arrived at the airport on time. 

My whole reaction to a simply question of 'Do you want tea?' got me thinking about how we judge people, even if we don't intend too. 

I avidly follow the saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me". I follow this all the time, yet why do I sometimes not give people the benefit of the doubt?

It could have something to do with the fact that I've given people plenty of chances in the past and they have been abused. 

My delightful wanna be posh short boy ex (people who meet him know who I'm talking about) was given lots of chances. I lent him my car whilst I was travelling, turns out he went to visit his ex using it. 

I let him off the hook with helping me at a charity homeless event, he went out after work got drunk and shagged a girl from work. 

People wonder why I have trust issues! 

It seems the closer you are to someone, the more chances you give them. I'm not saying that's always a bad thing but it does certainly leave you open to getting hurt. 

I usually give someone at least one chance, I won't judge someone on other peoples poor behaviours but, when it comes to dating, how do you protect yourself?

Maybe I can learn to be less emotional and see that not everyone is out to hurt others. 

Or do I go the other way, pull my guard up so high then no one could ever hurt me?

Either way, the tea was delicious and I appreciated my driver spending his money on buying it for me.

It demonstrates not everyone is out to get you, just some.