How do you Draw the Line?

I was raised to believe in the potential of people, to see others at their best and hold them there - even if they were struggling to live up to their opportunities. I was brought up to have faith in people.

I still operate that way. The alternative is too darned negative for me to comprehend. But right now, I'm struggling with how to live by that philosophy and also run a business in the best way.

That belief is causing me gravity. It's nothing new - it's caused gravity in my life for a long time - in some really interesting ways.

You see, I have a repetitive pattern of trusting people - seeing them deliver on their commitments, believing in them and their excuses - until they drop the ball completely. That's when I end up holding the empty bag as they disappear into the sunset. My eyes are wide shut until it's too late - and I am hurt.

It's happened time and time again in my personal and professional life. I was stood up at the altar at 21 and never saw it coming - and since then my heart's been smashed by some of the best conmen around. I've been taken financially by less than honest people (multiple times) and most of my business partnerships have been a one way flight - my cash going to their pockets.

I swear I'm a savvy business woman. But when it comes to seeing the truth about others, I'm wondering if I'm way behind the curve. My trust seems to have poor eyesight.

I had yet another occurrence this week. A big blindside. But we won't go there - same story different day.

The bottom line is that I'm tired of being the trusting person who takes care of others and gets bit in the butt. This time, I'm determined to open my eyes and see the truth about my world, and the people in it, forever more.

But I need your help. I'm struggling with where to draw the line between trusting people to step up and pulling the plug before they cause damage - to my personal self or my business.

So here's my question for you.

How do you draw the line between being fair to others - and being fair with yourself and your business?