Introduction

Abstract

Trust is ubiquitous. As we move through our social world, numerous encounters with other people present an opportunity for us to realize and achieve the things we want in life. The success of some of these encounters depends only on our own effort, and whether or not we can attain our goals is our sole responsibility. But in many other cases, we must rely on others, and on their good-faith attempts to do what we ask. We need to let go and give in to the risks that come with interaction, because we simply cannot control the outcome. Others may not do what we would prefer them to, and, in thus acting, they may hinder the realization of our aims, or even harm us. At times, we are conscious of these risks. Things can go wrong, yet we feel assured and secure. We nevertheless decide to take the plunge into the unknown. In some cases others disappoint us, and only then do we realize that we left ourselves vulnerable to the actions and decisions of others. This insight might come to us as a shock or surprise, and this shock brings home to our consciousness that we put ourselves into a position of vulnerability. Yet it never occurred to us to think of the risks involved in our interactions when we let go in the first place.