I’m prepared for the worst

Why? I always expect the worst. Problem is (not really a problem) it almost never happens.

How often have I expected the worst? Many, many times. I have gone to the store to get a refund on a product that I didn’t like. Fully expecting the clerk to give me a hard time. If memory serves me, I don’t think I’ve ever had a hard time. I have expected to be treated badly at a government office (DMV, etc.) and it’s not happened. When people have you where you need something from them and you’re at their mercy, I expect a hard time. Almost never happens. But I expect it every time.

What is it with me? Do I just think that people are naturally mean? I expect to get overcharged when someone at the tire store knows I need tires. So many times they’ve been helpful and pointed me to a good deal. Or found a coupon for me to use that they had behind the desk.

It’s not that I’m a mean person and I project my attributes onto someone else. I’m not mean and I’m always ready to help someone. I really am the complete opposite of mean.