[grasshopperpurp]

Assume positive intent until someone proves your assumption wrong. One of the good things about assuming positive intent is that you should treat people well. If you do, and the other person does not reciprocate, you should no longer assume positive intent. Maybe they're just having a bad day? You can, and should, still leave room to change your mind again, but I would recommend basketing people who show signs of foolishness, selfishness, and general unkindness apart from people who reward your optimism.

It's not your job to find the good person beneath the layers of trash. Generally speaking, our faults don't dwindle upon closer inspection, and even if they did, life is short, and you probably have other things to do.

[enominezerum]

I say look for trends. I assume the best of people, but I am also on the lookout for trends that show the worst of people.

If this is someone that you encounter a lot, there is nothing wrong with being wary and observing their trends.

[PennRobotics]

Forgiving tit-for-tat :)

[naasking]

It has been the best strategy in the iterated prisoner's dilemma for years.