Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind Podcast, where we're learning how to be happier by working with our minds.
If you'd like to know more about what I teach, come to iintendtobehappy.com, and let me help you on the path to being happier.
The Habit of Assuming the Worst
The other day, someone told me she was noticing a pattern—she kept assuming the worst in people.
Her friend didn’t text her back, and suddenly she spiraled into stories of being ignored.
It was causing her real anxiety.
And maybe you know this feeling too.
What If We Chose Generosity?
What if, instead, we practiced a generous interpretation?
- The friend who didn’t text back—maybe she’s just overwhelmed.
- The driver who cut you off—maybe they’re rushing to something urgent.
- The partner who seemed distant—maybe they didn’t sleep well or are carrying something heavy.
It’s not about denial or naivety.
It’s about softening our reflex to assume harm.
Negativity Bias
Our brains are wired for survival.
They notice danger more than safety.
That’s why it’s easy to fall into suspicion, cynicism, or mistrust.
But in modern life, this bias doesn’t serve us.
It creates tension where none is needed.
We fill in the blanks with unkind stories.
Flipping the Reflex
So what if you gently trained yourself to assume the best?
- The abrupt email—maybe they were rushing.
- The cashier who didn’t smile—maybe they’re having a hard day.
- The friend who canceled plans—maybe they’re caring for themselves.
Notice how this changes not only your relationships, but also your nervous system.
It brings lightness, peace, and ease.
A Story of Softening
I worked with a woman who had years of conflict with her sister.
Every conversation felt like a landmine.
She was exhausted.
So we tried a new practice—stop assuming harm.
- When her sister interrupted, maybe it was nervousness.
- When the text was clipped, maybe it was stress.
Her sister didn’t change much.
But she did.
And when she stopped bracing for attack, space for gentleness appeared.
Peace Over Pride
This doesn’t mean ignoring your truth.
It doesn’t mean letting people walk over you.
It means pausing before assuming the worst.
It means choosing peace over pride.
Strength over defensiveness.
Wisdom over ego.
Start Small
You don’t have to do this perfectly.
Just start small.
- One person.
- One moment.
- One generous thought.
Let people be innocent before they’re guilty.
Let your heart soften.
Because when you meet the world with grace, it often looks more beautiful—
Not because it changed, but because you did.
I hope this has been helpful. Don’t forget, if you’d like to do some work with me or find out more about what I teach, come to moniquerhodes.com. I’d love you to join me in the Happiness Club.
As always—be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
