Pondering Trust

I've noticed something lately… Occasionally, when I'm interacting with people, I hear them clarify what they're saying to ensure that I didn't misunderstand them. And this before I even give any indication that I was offended or put off by their comments… Why do they/we do that?

My own thought is that it signifies a lack of trust in the environment. Trust that we have each other's best interest at heart in all we do and say… Trust that we'll assume the best about each other… Trust that we're just trying to help rather than step on each other's toes… Trust that we're just trying to solve a problem or help each other grow rather than accuse or put down others…

Am I seeing this through a clear lens? Or is my own perception a signal of what's going on in my own head? Do I mistrust people? I don't generally think I do; I think I typically assume people intend to do well -- maybe I'm even a bit too trusting sometimes. There are times, though, when I feel hurt or frustrated when I start to notice things that seem to indicate ill-will rather than "assuming the best."

I'm curious what others think… Why the lack of trust? How do we build trust such that people feel ok just speaking plainly and openly/honestly? So we don't step on each other's toes because we're open about when we cross boundaries, etc.? Hmmm…

What do you think?