Would you rather be seen as overly naive or overly cautious, maybe even to the point of coming off as paranoid to others? For me, I am more of the overly cautious type of person only because I'd rather be very cautious than be seen as overly naive and not being able to take a hint. I've been told by others who are more naive and extroverted that I'm too cautious, and one person even claimed I was a bit paranoid. The problem is I noticed that those same people always seemed to get hurt or disappointed more often because they didn't see whatever may have happened coming. And this applies to anything, not just social situations. It could be waiting to hear back from a potential employer after an interview, getting into a school, a different position at a job, whatever it may be. Doesn't always have to be dealing with friends or making plans with other people.

I like to be more cautious since dong so prevents me from being disappointed too much or too easily. Not saying I don't get disappointed at all, but if something doesn't work out, whether it is in a social setting or not, I can say, yep, I saw that coming and I knew that could happen. Some people are just more happy go lucky and anticipate things to always go the way they want it and when it doesn't they are hurt way more by it. I used to be that person as well. I used to be naive but then I learned that it's better to be cautious. There can and will still be disappointments and slights, but at least you were expecting them and know it was possible if you are more of a cautious person. I don't see this as being overly paranoid, despite some people thinking it is. Also I believe if you're too naive, some people can also think, "Wow, you are so naive. Can't even take a hint or didn't even see it coming." Which would you prefer to be seen as? Just wondered what you all thought.