Hi, Monica! Actually, you are stating the thesis pretty accurately. When you say, “Trust is ultimately a choice” and “I am sometimes let down. And when I am, I feel strong enough to deal with it as a consequence of my choice” you are stating the essence of “The Trusting Character” (as contrasted with “emotional trust”). We are definitely in simpatico, and I refer everyone back to the third characteristic of “The Trusting Character” which is “A ‘trusting character’ knows that while others may be hurtful, frustrating, angering, and disappointing at times, they also know that deep inside they desire not to be that way. Good faith is the ‘trusting character’s’ basis for connectedness.” While I know that people will act just like human beings, I too believe that we need to call forth the very best within them. Like you, I believe in people, and the Simple Encouragement® Movement not only cultivates this positive world view, but teaches folks how to  “speak life to potential, healing to pain, and light to darkness” with the purpose of activating and actualizing the good that exists deep inside of every soul. As I read your reply, I thought that when I do “A Simply Encouraging® Experience” on the topic that you could be my “how to model” of “The Trusting Character”! :) Thanks for keeping the discussion going, Monica, and for inviting me to clarify this important point! I would love to talk with you about all of this at some point, and will email you later to arrange a discussion.