Working with Difficult People, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 10

SUSPICIOUS

“Suspicion is the companion of mean souls.”

—Thomas Paine

Ever watchful, suspicious people believe that others are ready to attack, hurt, or even kill them. They protect themselves to live another day by spreading seeds of doubt in the minds of others. But suspicion spawns suspicion, and they wonder what others know that they don't. They are fearful that if they miss something, they'll lose out. They imagine others as double agents and informants. There are no other alternatives.

Research studies show that suspicious, mistrusting, and cynical people do not live as long as those who are not, even after taking into account ...