Helping others is considered to be a good deed. But sometimes helping others excess may results in deceit. I grown up seeing my Dad always helping others, mostly lending financial help. I believe helping others is in my blood. I find it difficult to say no to someone close who ask for some monetary help. I think I get this as a legacy from my dad. I have seen my Dad always stand up for his brothers and their family and other villagers. My Dad was elder one in the family and always care for his younger brothers. Even during his final days, he was more worried about their brothers tuan us. I used to think that my uncle too looks at him as a fatherly figure. My Dad used to be too caring for them, but the younger one learn only to exploit from my Dad and never cared to return or repay back. Recently I get hold of one of my Dad's diary. It discloses many unknown facts and instances about how my Dad family member treated him. Those instances were very surprising to me and I doubt that even my siblings knew about them. But getting fooled at the hands of own family member has unbearable pain. My Dad never cared to speak or talk about it until I get hold of the diary.
The diary mention some unaccounted transaction of 500,000 INR, which was never been recovered. Do remember, the sort of money I was talking about was in late 90's. Looking at its current value it might exceeds million. People close to him took away the money on different context and never cared to return. I think my Dad was hesitant to ask to get the money back. After reading the diary, I realize that I too getting into his path. There was an unaccounted amount of 150,000 INR that I am unable to get back. Relatives and people close to me took this money on pretext of urgency. They promised me to return them as early as possible. But it has been more than a year and no one even cared to talk about it. Even though they know my financial condition but they still trying to manipulate me for their own benefit.
Being overly trusting or naive can make a person vulnerable to exploitation
If my Dad had disclosed all those facts to us, we may have understood the society much better and would have been over cautious before helping others. These days society is too harsh to live. An innocent or naive person typically takes interactions at face value, assumes good intentions, and lacks the cynicism or defensive filters needed to spot hidden agendas. My Dad is one of them and I am not different too. Seeing the amount that was on bad debts, I doubt they going to be recovered. After my Dad passed away, I cannot claim to get the money back. As it ask for intrusion and misunderstanding. As far as mine amount is concerned, I tried to stop myself from further lending. The amount that is is already been lent needed to be recovered first. I will try all possible efforts to get them back. It is so strange how people could ask for favor and never cared to look back.
Innocent people are not unintelligent, they simply choose or lean toward trust over suspicion
Pure innocence without boundaries can cross into naivety, making individuals vulnerable to those who exploit sincerity. People with innocent or trusting dispositions project their internal baseline of honesty outward, operating on the assumption that others share a similar conscience. Highly innocent individuals often struggle to say "no" or set firm boundaries. This people pleasing dynamic teaches others that our personal needs are negotiable, frequently leading to one sided relationships where we give continuously without receiving support in return. I easily recall this situation in every sphere. Be it in relation or even in friendship or even at workplace. Overly innocent employees often take on extra responsibilities without demanding proper credit, compensation, or promotions. Being overly innocent can leave us vulnerable in a complex world.
After going through my Dad's diary and learning about mistakes, I would say that, while kindness and a pure heart are virtues, total innocence without discernment carries distinct practical and social risks. It is better to acknowledge it and try to focus in the improvement areas.
In good faith - Peace!!